asked the Minister for Labour whether he has undertaken a review of the grounds for maintaining the current range of occupational categories excluded under section 12 of the Employment Equality Act, 1977; the organisations or bodies he has consulted in this regard; and whether he proposes to make an order under section 12 extending the application of the Act to any of the following areas: (a) the Defence Forces, (b) the Garda Síochána, (c) the prison service and (d) the persons employed in a private residence or by a close relative.
Written Answers. - Employment Equality.
583.
The question of modifying, by order, section 12 of the Employment Equality Act, 1977, which excludes employment in the defence forces, Garda Síochána, prison service, in a private residence or by a close relative is at present under consideration.
I am having consultations with the Departments of Defence and Justice in this regard. In addition, the Employment Equality Agency has made representations to me on the matter.
584.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will provide details of the amounts of compensation awarded in Labour Court determinations under section 22 of the Employment Equality Act, 1977, for each year since 1978 indicating the number of cases in which the amounts awarded were between (a) £0 to £200, (b) £200 to £500, (c) £500 to £1,000 and (d) £1,000 plus.
585.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will provide details of the outcome of determinations on appeal to the Labour Court under the Employment Equality Act, 1977 indicating the number of complaints (a) in which the court held there was discrimination, (b) in which the court recommended to a person or persons concerned a specified course of action and (c) awarded compensation.
586.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will give details of the form of representation chosen by employees at appeal hearings in the Labour Court under the Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act, 1974 and the Employment Equality Act, 1977 identifying the number represented by (a) self, (b) trade unions, (c) solicitor/counsel, (d) other, (e) representative not present and (f) not known.
587.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will give details of the nature of disputes referred to the Labour Court under the Employment Equality Act, 1977, by complainants alleging (i) discrimination on grounds of sex, identifying the number alleging (a) direct and (b) indirect discrimination, (ii) discrimination on grounds of marital status, identifying the number alleging (a) direct and (b) indirect discrimination and (iii) victimisation.
588.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will give details of the number of disputes referred to the Labour Court under the Employment Equality Act, 1977 by applicants for employment against employment agencies.
589.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will give details of the number of disputes referred to the Labour Court under the Employment Equality Act, 1977 for each year since 1978 by employees regarding access to opportunities for (a) overtime/shiftwork, (b) promotion, (c) training, (d) transfer and (e) other benefits.
590.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will give details of the number of disputes referred to the Labour Court under the Employment Equality Act, 1977 for each year since 1978 by applicants for employment against employers regarding (a) the arrangements made by employers for recruitment, (b) the terms and conditions offered and (c) refusal to engage or to offer employment.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 584 to 590, inclusive, together.
Because of the detail sought it has not been possible to gather the required information in the time available, but I will write directly to the Deputy in the matter as soon as possible.