Vol. 400 No. 6
2 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline the average female annual wage for 1984 and 1989 as a percentage of the annual industrial wage; if he will indicate the same statistics for all EC countries; if he has satisfied himself that enough progress is being made towards equal pay; the steps he proposes to take to achieve this aim; and the timescale proposed.
The average gross earnings for female industrial workers, manufacturing industry, as a percentage of the average for all workers in manufacturing industry in 1984 was 69 per cent and in 1989 it was 72 per cent.
With regard to the information which the Deputy requires for EC countries, the latest and most comprehensive figures available to me at present are in respect of average hourly earnings of manual industrial female workers as a percentage of the average hourly earnings of manual industrial workers for April 1988.
Such information as is contained in Eurostat is reproduced in a table which I propose to circulated in the Official Report.
I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that the significant difference in earnings between men and women result from a wide range of factors. My solution to the unacceptable differential lies partly in the improvements I propose to make to the Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act, 1974, but more particularly in improving access for women to a wider range of jobs and to better jobs, including the highest technical and managerial positions. To that extent I place the highest emphasis on positive action whether in the public or the private sector or in training programmes.
Following is the table:
Average Gross Hourly Earnings of Female Manual Industrial Workers as a Percentage of Average Manual Industrial Workers.
|
1984 |
1988 |
|
|
% |
% |
|
|
Belgium |
78 |
79 |
|
Denmark |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
France |
84 |
85 |
|
Germany |
76 |
77 |
|
Greece |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Ireland |
76 |
75 |
|
Italy |
86 |
Not Available |
|
Luxembourg |
66 |
Not Available |
|
Netherlands |
75 |
Not Available |
|
Portugal |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Spain |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
United Kingdom |
73 |
73 |
Note: This information is based on information provided by various agencies to Eurostat and does not reflect such factors as differences in hours worked by women.
Having regard to the statistics outlined by the Minister, would the Minister not agree that some years after the implementation of the 1976 legislation on equal treatment some very positive action is needed? In relation to Question No. 1, would the Minister not agree that one of the ways we can raise women's income quickly is by laying down a statutory minimum wage as has been done in other countries? In an effort to allow women greater access to what traditionally are male jobs we should seriously consider the introduction of a quota system, as has been done in other countries, until some sort of balance is achieved.
I agree with the Deputy when she says significant progress has not been achieved over the years. However the position can be improved by amending legislation and taking initiatives. I think the Deputy would agree that we are endeavouring to take some in a number of areas. The solution lies in creating opportunities for women, be it in crafts or in the managerial sector, and in removing barriers. That is one of our priorities. Recently I launched a number of positive action programmes with this in mind.
Will the positive action seriously treat the question of a minimum basic wage and will efforts be made to have the recommendations and child care facilities incorporated in a directive?
I did ask for brevity.
Women get short enough shrift on the agenda of Irish affairs and I would ask for your clemency in this.
If Deputies are unhappy about the time available for dealing with priority questions they ought to do something about it. The Chair merely administers the rules of this House.
Child care facilities are part of the overall agenda, but the major part concerns the creation of opportunities for young women to return to work and for women of all ages to find openings in the labour market. I agree with Deputy Barnes that women over the years have not been getting a fair share and there are structural changes which we can make in labour market policy to open up this area. These are initiatives in which I am involved and we have had some success. We are moving from very low percentages.
Is there a timescale?
I hope it will be a matter of months in respect of child care facilities.
