asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will confirm a date for the abolition of the marriage bar on women working in the Civil Service; if he will outline the position of former employees who wish to return to work in the Civil Service; and when legislation in this regard will be introduced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Service Marriage Bar.
46.
The marriage bar was removed from the Civil Service by the Civil Service (Employment of Married Women) Act, 1973, which had effect from 31 July, 1973.
Except in relation to special categories such as widows or married women who are not being supported by their husbands, no statutory provisions exist or are intended to give preferential treatment to women who have resigned or resign from the Civil Service on marriage to return to the service. Having left the service, such women, in common with all others seeking employment, can in the usual way become civil servants through the procedures prescribed in the Civil Service Commissioners Act, 1956.
They would have to re-apply through the Commissioners again?
That is right.