Vol. 433 No. 5
22 Ms. McManus asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if he has received a report on the recent United Nations World Conference on Human Rights held in Vienna, if in regard to the declarations regarding women he will give the plans, if any, he has to ensure that these are fully implemented in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have read the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action with interest. The sections dealing with women are generally in line with existing Government policy.
I would refer in particular to the proposals I am developing for legislation on employment equality and equal status in regard to education and the provision of goods, facilities and services etc. and to the Government's commitment to a radical programme of affirmative action in appointing women to State boards.
The Government has pledged itself to proceed with the necessary reforms in this area and I have already made it clear to this House that the commitment to bring forward the necessary legislative proposals before the end of 1993 will be honoured.
The proposals will take into account the recommendations of the Commission and the views of farming organisations, public bodies and other interested parties.
