asked the Minister for Labour if, in view of recent statements made by him, he will give an assurance that it is not his intention to alter in any way the decision to implement equal pay for women at the end of this year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Equal Pay.
8.
No assurance is required in respect of any statement made by me concerning the implementation of equal pay. I would like to refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 4 on 24th April, 1975 and to assure him that the Government's position in regard to equal pay remains unchanged.
Representations have been made to me about the difficulties which could arise for companies in certain sectors of industry as a result of implementing equal pay. In discussions with representatives of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Federated Union of Employers, I have indicated that I would be prepared to give serious consideration to any joint representations made to me by the trade unions and employers, which result from discussions and negotiations at company level regarding the introduction of equal pay, where such representations are based on concern that the impact of equal pay by the end of 1975 would adversely affect the economic viability of the company and the level of employment.
Could I draw the Minister's attention to a non-reply by the Minister for Finance subsequent to the budget? On radio he hesitated to say whether or not the legislation would be implemented at the end of 1975.
The Deputy has heard my reply.
Very good.
Surely the Minister is aware that according to the Minister for Finance this is not possible, if we are honest about it?
We must be honest at all times, or seek to be.
I should like to know the position.
The position is that I and my colleague in Industry and Commerce have received representations from, especially, the chocolate crumb industry. I am anxious to have representations based on concern for employment in an industry which would be affected by the passage of this legislation. Obviously, the workers in that industry and the employers would share a mutual concern. In such a case our position is that we are certainly very willing to listen to any representations made to us on that score.
From his own experience, does the Minister honestly believe that it is possible to implement it?
I do believe it is possible, because most of our competitors are under a similar obligation.