European Union-The Reasons Why Ireland at the Heart of Europe

Joining the European Community in 1973 was a fundamental step forward for Irish women who automatically upon membership of the EEC received rights of equality particularly in the field of employment. For example, women who married prior to 1973 were prohibited from continuing in civil service employment following their marriage under Irish law guided by the Irish Constitution.

Equality for women and for every EU citizen continues to be a vital aim of the EU. As part of Ireland’s application to the EEC any legislation discriminating against women was neutralised and for this all Irish women can be grateful. Significantly, the number of women in the workforce has risen from 27% in 1973 to more than 42% today.

Since our membership, workers and women have benefited from further equality based legislation and socially based legislation such as the promotion of maternity and paternity leave, rights of redundancy and protection of young persons at work in addition to rights for part-time and agency workers and protection of health and safety.