Women still do the bulk of housework despite a big rise in the number of women now in the paid workforce, according to a new report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
The results show women work 39 minutes a day, or one month a year, more than men - and even though 37% of paid work is now done by women, they still do 72% of unpaid work including housework and caring for younger and older family members.
Today's report even made its way into a debate in the Dáil.
Fine Gael's Leo Varadkar accused Tánaiste Mary Coughlan of being a little out of touch with the reality of consumer prices and that 'your driver probably does your shopping for you'.
Ms Coughlan, citing today's ESRI report, said she did her own shopping 'and I hope the woman sitting beside you gives you a slap in the face for that remark, especially when surveys are showing that we women are working more'.
ESRI's report calls for a review of statutory leave entitlements so that men can do more unpaid housework, including looking after children.
The Equality Authority, which commissioned the research, said its findings paint a depressing picture.
In comparison with the rest of Europe, it says Ireland is still very much at the traditional end of the spectrum.
The findings also point to disadvantage and inequality for women in society, the authority adds.
It says current statutory leave entitlements should be reviewed so men can be more involved at home.
It recommends that paid paternity and parental leave be introduced so men can more easily use their entitlements.
It also says State support for childcare needs to be increased, as this could reduce the amount of caring work done by women.
