Vol. 518 No. 2
57 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is intended to commence and complete the review of the Maternity Protection Act, 1994, in view of the commitment in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11182/00]
A review of the Maternity Protection Act, 1994, is being undertaken by my Department, in accordance with An Action Programme for the Millennium, which provides that key priorities regarding women's rights will include the review and improvement of maternity protection legislation. My Department has sought and received views from representatives of employers and employees, other interested bodies and relevant Departments and agencies on the legislation. A working group of the various parties has been established to discuss the comments received and to identify the areas where improvements to the legislation might be warranted. The first meeting of the working group is scheduled to take place on 14 April. In accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, it is intended to complete this review by September 2000.
