Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 4

Written Answers. - Non-Marital Unions.

Alan Shatter

Question:

25 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the measures, if any, it is proposed to take in order to enhance the rights of parties in non-marital unions as promised in the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-97.

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

In this Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997, the commitment of this Government to the pursuit of a broad programme of institutional, administrative and legislative reform aimed at enhancing the rights of women was stated in a very forceful way. The enhancement of the rights of parties in non-marital unions was included among proposed changes.

Since that programme was published, the report of the Second Commission on the Status of Women has been presented to Government and it also includes a number of recommendations which are pertinent to this issue. I have already indicated to this House that my Department will be considering all of the Commission's recommendations carefully with a view to reaching a decision on those matters which should feature in a priority programme for implementation.

Any proposals touching upon the enhancement of the rights of parties in non-marital unions will be announced in the normal way in due course.