Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 5

Written Answers. - Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.

Denis Naughten

Question:

18 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the national framework committee for the implementation of a national framework for family friendly policies in accordance with the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness will be set up; and the plans, if any, she has to provide for the representation of spouses working full-time in the home on this committee in view of the fact they will be affected by any recommendations emanating from the committee. [9510/00]

Billy Timmins

Question:

46 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the national framework committee for the implementation of a national framework for family friendly policies in accordance with the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness will be set up; and the arrangements she proposes to make to provide for the representation of spouses working full-time in the home on this committee in view of the fact that they will be affected by any recommendations emanating from the committee. [7672/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 46 together.

The negotiations on the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness were concluded on 7 February and the programme was subsequently ratified on 23 March. In the interim period the social partners had engaged in an intensive process of consultation with their respective memberships.

Now that the ratification process is completed the necessary measures can be put in place to implement the various commitments in the programme, including the establishment of the national framework committee for the development of a national framework for family friendly policies.

The parties envisaged that the committee would comprise representatives of IBEC, public sector employers and ICTU and that the committee would be supported by a secretariat provided by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with additional support, where appropriate, from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In this regard, my Department has already made initial contacts in order to progress with the project.

It would fall to the committee itself to decide on the arrangements for consultation with interested parties.