Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 3

Written Answers. - Equal Opportunities in State-Sponsored Bodies.

Dan Wallace

Question:

204 Mr. D. Wallace asked the Minister for Labour if, in relation to the equal opportunities initiative for men and women in State sponsored bodies, he will outline the bodies involved; and the action which has been taken to date.

Minister for Labour (Mr. B. Ahern)

With the agreement of my colleagues in Government I approached all State Sponsored Bodies and asked them to complete and return to me a questionnaire on equal opportunities initiatives in their organisations in 1989. About 70 per cent of organisations returned the questionnaires. The results were analysed and were the subject of a report by my Department earlier this year. I have placed copies of the report in the Oireachtas library.

The analysis of the data furnished indicates that much remains to be done by State Sponsored Bodies, if equality of opportunity at work is to be achieved. Nevertheless, several positive steps have been taken. For instance, a large number of organisations examined have taken initiatives which help women and men to combine career and family responsibilities, for example, by providing flexible working hours, job-sharing and career breaks; about half the organisations who submitted reports have a positive action programme; the majority of organisations have equal opportunities officers.

Arising from the analysis of the 1989 data a new questionnaire has been devised. This questionnaire will seek more relevant and more quantifiable information. The initiative has also been extended to local authorities and health boards with effect from 1990.