asked the Minister for Labour the specific steps which have been taken to comply with EC Directives 75/117 and 76/207 concerning women's rights; and the steps which have been taken to publicise these directives and to keep women informed of their rights which are protected in these directives.
Written Answers. - Directives on Women's Rights.
659.
Directive 75/117 relates to the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women while directive 76/207 is concerned with the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training, promotion and working conditions. Compliance with the directives has been effected by way of the Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act, 1974, and the Employment Equality Act, 1977.
As regards keeping women (and men) informed of their rights under these directives the Employment Equality Act, 1977, provided for the establishment of the Employment Equality Agency. The general functions of the agency are: (a) to work towards the elimination of discrimination in relation to employment; (b) to promote equality of opportunity between men and women in relation to employment; and (c) to keep the working of the equality legislation under review, and, whenever it thinks it necessary, to make proposals to the Minister for Labour for amending either, or both of the Acts.
The agency has published a code of practice designed to eliminate sex and marital status discrimination, and to promote equality of opportunity between men and women in employment. The code is available free of charge to interested individuals, or organisations. Also available free of charge are explanatory booklets on the Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act, 1974, and the Employment Equality Act, 1977. These booklets can be obtained either directly from the Department of Labour, or from the Employment Equality Agency. The agency has also engaged in publicity in the media.