asked the Taoiseach the number of married women estimated to be employed in the State; and the number of these estimated to be employed in the public service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Married Women Employment Numbers.
3.
The most recent estimates for the number of married women in employment are based on the 1979 Labour Force Survey. On the basis of this survey, it is estimated that there were some 91,900 married women in employment in the State in May-June 1979. Of this total, it is estimated that some 26,200 were employed in the public service which, for the purposes of this reply, is taken to incorporate Government Departments, local authorities, including health boards, the Garda and Defence Forces and first and second level education.
Does the latter figure include employees of State-sponsored bodies?
The public service, as defined in my reply, does not include semi-state organisations such as CIE, Aer Lingus, Bord Na Móna, ESB, RTÉ, Bord Fáilte, Comhlucht Súicre Éireann, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Nitrigin Éireann, the ACC, the ICC, the IDA, the IIRS, the INTC and other similar organisations. It is not possible to extract data for most of these organisations from the survey results.
Has the Minister of State at his disposal figures which would indicate that the number of married women employed in the categories which he has mentioned has more than doubled in the last five years?
I have not figures to indicate that. The only figure I have available shows that 91,900 married women were in employment in the State in May-June, 1979. They represent 28½ per cent of the total women employed and 14½ per cent of the total married women employed. The 26,200 married women employed in the public service represent 31½ per cent of the total women employed in this service and 28½ per cent of the total number of married women in employment.
Would the Minister undertake a study of the number of women engaged in our work force to provide up-to-date figures, as these do not seem to be available?
We may receive further information as a result of the 1981 census. If this information is obtained, I will provide the Deputy with it.