Nuala Fennell
Question:5 Mrs. Fennell asked the Taoiseach whether any legislation is planned in connection with Women's Affairs; and if so, whether this includes an Equal Status Bill.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Women's Affairs.
No legislation is planned at this time. The Deputy will be aware, however, that the Government have charged the Second Commission on the Status of Women with the task of making recommendations on the means, both administrative and legislative, by which women will be able to participate on equal terms and conditions with men in economic, social, political and cultural life. I hope the Deputy will agree that, having given the commission this task, it would be prudent to await the outcome of its deliberations. When the commission's report is to hand, the Government will decide what legislative action needs to be taken.
I thank the Minister of State for his reply but there is considerable concern about his role as Minister of State with responsibility for Women's Affairs? It appears that he does not have a budget or any legislative plan despite the fact that it is essential to introduce Bills such as the Equal Status Bill if we are to meet our UN commitments. May I ask the Minister of State if he would consider the possibility of having an interdepartmental report which would indicate the action that is being taken or is proposed to be taken? I ask him not to suggest that we await the report of the commission — I am sure legislation is a long way down the road — but rather to indicate what his role is. I think that after six months many women see the Minister as merely playing a ceremonial role. We know that his heart is in the right place but can he give us any indication of what action is being taken at Government level?
I find it difficult to take the Deputy's question seriously having regard to the fact that when she held this portfolio for four years she failed to bring a single legislative measure before the Dáil. I would like to ask her what is the reason she failed to promote an equal status Bill while in office if she thinks it is so important.
I reject totally her comment that I am only playing a ceremonial role. Yesterday the high powered inter-departmental committee, who comprises high ranking civil servants from all Government Departments, held their second meeting. Indeed, since my appointment I have been trying to get the best service from all Government Departments. In addition, the support of the Taoiseach and of Ministers has been forthcoming. As the Deputy is aware, the Minister of State with responsibility for Women's Affairs has a co-ordinating and monitoring role. As I said, I am very pleased with the support I have received since my appointment from all Government Departments.
As the Deputy will be aware, with regard to legislation, the Minister for Justice has a number of Bills in the pipeline, including the Criminal Evidence Bill, 1992. The debate on the Report and Final Stages of that Bill is due to be concluded today. In addition, work has reached an advanced stage and the legislation which deals with the question of equal rights of ownership of the family home. That Bill will be introduced as soon as possible.
In relation to marital breakdown, the outcome of the comprehensive inter-departmental review in this area will be reflected in a White Paper which is due to be published shortly. With regard to equal opportunities in employment, the Minister for Labour is about to approach the Government to secure approval to draft a comprehensive Bill in this area.
Forgive me, a Cheann Comhairle, for giving a lengthy reply but I resent the tone of the Deputy's remarks. Since my appointment I have played a pro-active role and I am delighted with the response I have received at Government and Civil Service level. Finally, as I said earlier, the conclusions of the Commission on the Status of Women will form the basis of my programme for the years ahead.
I would like to correct the record——
Questions please, Deputy.
Is the Minister of State aware that when I was Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach I was also Minister of State at the Department of Justice and that I brought forward considerable legislation, including a Bill which dealt with the question of equal rights to citizenship for women? I also dealt legislatively with the problem of dependent domicile of women brought forward comprehensive status of children legislation which dealt with the question of illegitimacy. It might be worth the Minister of State's while putting that information into his file for further reference.
I have.
While I hate nit-picking with a constituency colleague I must say that the Minister's response is a shallow one.
Following on Deputy Fennell's comments about this smoke-screen, is the Minister of State saying that he has no ideas of his own in relation to legislation in the area of women's rights?
This is a broad issue, Deputy. With regard to an equal status Bill, I have considered Deputy Fennell's ideas. Indeed I have in the past paid tribute to her for the contribution she has made. With regard to the question of taking measures to tackle the problem of discrimination in the remaining areas, I have considered the question of membership of golf clubs but that is only one element. It comes down to a question of whether we should attempt to resolve this matter by way of legislation but I am not convinced that legislation is warranted. It is very difficult to legislate for the attitude of a small minority of our citizens who would condemn women to second class citizenship. I am in favour of a sustained initiative because I believe that over time such an approach is bound to lead to a change in attitudes. I repeat that if the Commission on the Status of Women recommend that an equal status Bill, for example, is necessary, the Government will give this and the Commission's other recommendations serious consideration.
Since my appointment I have not made any announcements with regard to a blueprint for legislative action. My main role is to consult with all organisations, including the Commission on the Status of Women. I am awaiting the outcome of their deliberations. While I have many ideas of my own, particularly in the area that Deputy Fennell dealt with for some time, I repeat that the Deputy did not introduce an equal status Bill. It is obvious that she had her difficulties also.
It was ready in 1986.
A brief question from Deputy Howlin.
May I ask the Minister of State if he would confirm that it is still the Government's intention, as enunciated in the Dáil when the Government parties voted down the Labour Party's Equality Bill, to bring forward their own equal status Bill or is he now saying that it is a matter of debate within the Government?
If one examines the Official Report one will see that the Minister for Labour has particular legislation in mind and that on the occasion in question he asked Members to await the outcome of his deliberations. I will be dealing with this area in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Labour, and I will consider as significant the views of the commission under the chairmanship of Justice Mella Carroll.
I am calling Question No. 6.