asked the Minister for Labour if the Government will consider appointing a Parliamentary Secretary with special responsibilities for women's affairs, on the lines of a similar office established in France.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Office of Women's Affairs.
34.
This is not a matter for me—that is, the appointment.
I have been given responsibility for co-ordinating Government action on the report of the Commission on the Status of Women. This report made recommendations on the steps necessary to ensure the participation of women on equal terms with men in the political, social, cultural and economic life of the country. Primary responsibility for processing these recommendations rests with different Ministers according to the subject matter of the particular recommendation. I hope to expedite overall action by co-ordinating the work of all Departments in this area.
In December, 1974, I established the Women's Representative Committee under the chairmanship of Eileen Desmond, TD. One of the tasks of this committee is to report to me on the progress towards the implementation of the recommendations in the report of the Commission on the Status of Women and make submissions on the legislative and administrative reforms necessary to ensure that women participate in all spheres of life on equal terms with men.
I intend in my co-ordinating role to ensure that appropriate recommendations from this committee are implemented as quickly as possible.
It may be sub judice, but from the national wage agreement there does not seem to be any suggestion of a move towards equal pay.
That is a separate question.