asked the Minister for Labour the steps that are being taken to ensure the implementation of equal pay in all sectors of Irish industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Equal Pay.
6.
The Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act, 1974, Which came into operation on 31st December 1975, gives women in all sectors of employment a legal entitlement to equal pay. Explanatary leaflets for employers and employees giving gen eral guidance about the provisions of the legislation have been issued and given wide distribution by my Department.
It is open to a woman who believes she is entitled under law to equal pay to make a claim on the employer, either directly or through her trade union. Where a claim to equal pay is disputed the Act provides that the dispute may be referred by either party to an equality officer for investigation and recommendation. Either party may appeal subsequently to they Labour Court against an equality officer's recommendation.
An important function of the Employment Equality Agency. which came into operation on 1st October last, is to keep under review the working of the 3equal pay legislation and, whenever it thinks it necessary, to make proposals to me for amending the Act. I can assure that Deputy that any such proposals would be very carefully considered by me.
In the case of workers not protected by trade unions, there is provision which empowers the Employment Equality Agency themselves to refer cases to an equality officer for investigation where it might not be reasonable to expect the employee to make the reference, for example, for fear of reprisal by an employer.
Has the Minister had any representations yet from the agency as to how the scheme is operating?
No. As the Deputy is aware, the scheme has only come into operation since 1st October and it is early days yet to give any indication of progress.