asked the Minister for Justice when he proposes to remove the marriage ban on membership of the Ban Gharda.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ban-Gharda Marriage Ban.
31.
The requirement that a woman member of the Garda Síochána must retire from the force on her marriage is set out in statutory regulations which can be changed only with Government approval formally given.
However, the Government's general policy in this matter is well known and certain necessary preliminary work is already in hands with a view to having the matter formally submitted to the Government very soon.
Could I ask the Minister why there has been this much delay in the study of the problems involved, having regard to the fact that the acceptance of equal pay in the public service was announced in the budget of 1972, and that the process of examining the problem concerned was under way at that time?
The question relates to the removal of the marriage ban.
I am sorry. When I said "equal pay" I meant the removal of the marriage ban in the public service.
The removal of the marriage ban in relation to Ban Ghardaí raises slightly different considerations from those in relation to other female members of the Civil Service. The Deputy will understand that slightly more consideration might have to be given to that problem.
Can the Minister give any indication of when the decision is likely to be made?
I do not want to preempt any decision but I would hope very soon; possibly before Christmas and, if not, very early afterwards.