asked the Minister for Labour if any further legislation measures of an anti-discrimination nature as they apply to women workers, are under consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Discrimination Against Women Workers.
15.
The operation of the relevant Acts is being monitored and decisions on possible additional legislation will be taken in the light of experience.
In view of the fact that the Labour Court recently recommended in favour of paid maternity leave, does the Minister consider it appropriate as part of the equality programme that this should be made a legal right for all? Did he read last evening the comments of the chairperson of the Equality Employment Agency who maintains that although under the Unfair Dismissals Act it is illegal to dismiss a woman on grounds of pregnancy there is no guarantee that the woman will get her job back and that that Act needs to be amended? Does he agree that these matters should properly be part of a continued programme of equality legislation?
I had a question earlier on the maternity leave situation and I am aware of the comments to which the Deputy referred and of the Labour Court's recommendation. Studies on maternity leave are almost completed and in the near future I hope to be going to the Government for consideration of and a decision on that matter.
What about an amendment to the unfair dismissals clause?
Obviously that has to be considered in conjunction with the maternity leave situation.