I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 26 and 154 together.
The EC Directive on the protection of pregnant and breastfeeding workers must be implemented by 19 October 1994 and the necessary legislation to comply with this Directive will, I hope, be introduced in sufficient time to have it enacted by that deadline. While my colleagues, the Minister for Enterprise and Employment and the Minister for Social Welfare, are examining the implications of the Directive for their areas of responsibility, namely safety and health of workers and social security rights, I will bring forward legislation dealing with employment rights. In this regard I will be seeking to strengthen protection of employment rights of pregnant workers and introduce similar protection for working mothers who are breastfeeding.
I propose to introduce the necessary changes to the Maternity Protection of Employees Act, 1981, by means of an amending Bill. The quantification of associated costs of implementing this Directive are currently the subject of interdepartmental discussion.