Vol. 473 No. 2
10 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if the report on the implementation of the Platform for Action agreed at the UN Fourth World Conference on Women has been completed; if he has set up a committee to monitor progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24673/96]
The first report on implementation of the Platform for Action agreed at the UN Fourth World conference on Women in Beijing is currently being printed and copies of the report will be made available in the usual way. I will arrange to have the report laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
I will establish a committee representative of relevant Government Departments and non-governmental organisations to monitor future progress on the implementation of the Platform for Action.
I am pleased we are about to have the report. When is it expected that the monitoring committee will report and has the Minister decided on a timeframe for that monitoring procedure? In the case of the Second Commission on the Status of Women it was useful to impose a timeframe on that monitoring procedure.
I have not decided any particular timeframe. We must first get the report circulated to Mimbers, in particular to members of the Joint Committee on Women's Rights. I will then make arrangements for the monitoring committee and consider whether time limits and so on are appropriate. The Department of Foreign Affairs has been asked and has agreed to address the issues concerning developing countries and to report back to my Department. Members will be aware that a major aspect of the Beijing forum was the position of women and the girl child in developing countries. Obviously the Department of Foreign Affairs has responsibility in that regard. It is open to Deputy Keogh, if she wishes, to raise a particular question on that aspect of the matter with the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Will the Minister ensure that the report which will be circulated to members of the Joint Committee on Women's Rights will also be circulated to the spokespersons?
I will be happy to do that.
