Vol. 483 No. 1
67 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Finance whether he will engage consultants to examine the most appropriate taxation incentives to promote an increase in the numbers of women at work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19606/97]
The Deputy will be aware that there has been a significant growth in the number of women at work over the past number of years. Female employment, between 1971 and 1981 grew by 54,000 and then by a further 57,000 between 1981 and 1991. The subsequent growth in the six years to 1997, at 126,500, is greater than the entire growth in women's employment in the previous 20 years. Some 60 per cent of the increase in women in employment since 1991, was in full-time employment. By 1997, women accounted for almost four in ten of those at work. The growth in female employment has been cosiderably stronger than that for males and the Irish female labour participation rate, while still below the EU average, is increasing rapidly.
The general improvements introduced over the past number of years aimed at reducing the tax burden on earned income have been of benefit to all taxpayers, both female and male. They have improved employment incentives for all workers and have contributed to the strong growth in employment. Given the strong growth in female employment, I see no need to engage consultants as suggested in the question.
I will, however, be announcing measures aimed at reducing further the tax burden on employees generally in the forthcoming budget.
