Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Apr 1995

Vol. 451 No. 8

Written Answers. - Second Commission on the Status of Women.

Helen Keogh

Question:

31 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the recommendations of the Second Commission on the Status of Women which have yet to be acted upon; when it is envisaged that the outstanding recommendations will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7559/95]

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

I propose to circulate in the Official Report the information sought in so far as it relates to my area of responsibility. The Deputy should table questions to the appropriate Ministers in relation to the other recommendations.

Main Recommendations of the Commission of Status of Women which have yet to be implemented.

Paragraph 1.2.6. Equality amendment to the Constitution and deletion of Article 41.2.2º.

Response: I would refer to replies which I gave to questions on these matters on 28 April 1993 and 1 June, 1993.

Paragraphs 1.5.6, 2.3.1 and 6.3.5. Community property regime.

Response: In view of the immediate legislative priorities which confront my Department, no proposals have been developed on the wider issue of a regime of community property.

Paragraph 1.5.8. That the State funded Mediation Service should be put on a statutory basis.

Response: The pilot scheme of Family Mediation has been established on a permanent basis and a sum of £300,000 has been provided for the service in 1994 which was more than double the 1993 allocation. This increase has allowed for the development and expansion of the service outside Dublin and a new Family Mediation centre is to open shortly in Limerick. A further £300,000 has been provided for the service in 1995 which will allow for the employment of additional mediators and, in order to enable the service to be provided on a wider geographical basis, the employment of private mediators on a contract basis. The question of placing the service on a statutory basis will be reviewed in the light of the further development of the service and the final report of the Law Reform Commission on the Family Courts.

Paragraph 1.5.10. Attendance of Civil Registrars at all marriages 1.10.2. Registration of births.

Response: These recommendations are being considered as part of the comprehensive review of the legislation on the registration of births, marriages and deaths.

Paragraph 1.6.4. That the question of extending the constitutional definition of the family should be referred to the Law Reform Commission for examination.

Response: A Bill to make better provision for protection of persons in domestic relationships whose safety or welfare requires it, which takes into account the above recommendation will be published shortly.

The Bill will in large measure extend the legal protection of spouses in this area to cohabitants. In this context, no proposals are contemplated with a view to having the definition of "family" in the Constitution amended by way of referendum.

Paragraph 5.5.3 (e). Financing by the State of research into the needs and situations of women with disabilities.

Response: This matter is among those being examined by the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, whose report is expected at the end of the year.