asked the Minister for Labour if it is the policy of the Government to give immediate recognition to the rights of women workers to equal pay for equal work and equal job opportunities; if from now on the existing inequalities will be progressively eliminated over a definite period; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Equal Pay.
236.
Pay and conditions for workers are generally settled by collective bargaining. The system facilitates trade unions wishing to negotiate improvements for women workers and many improvements for women workers have in fact been negotiated in recent years.
As regards the public service a claim for the application of equal pay for equal work by men and women in the Civil Service has been lodged under the Civil Service scheme of conciliation and arbitration. In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate to comment on this aspect of the matter at this stage.