asked the Minister for Labour if the Government intends to ratify Convention 111 of the ILO relating to the elimination of discrimination; if so, when; and if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ILO Convention.
14.
Convention No. 111 of the ILO is aimed generally at providing equality of opportunity to all persons in the field of employment and occupation and to removing any preferential treatment based on race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin. The Convention also requires ratifying States to seek the co-operation of employers' and workers' organisations in achieving these aims.
No difficulty would arise in accepting the obligations of the Convention as far as race, colour, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin are concerned. However, ratification of the Convention would also involve changes in certain arrangements which operate in favour of men in a number of employments and occupations. Many of these arrangements are the outcome of negotiations between employers and trade unions and any changes in them would require re-negotiation and agreement between the parties.
The issues are at present being examined by the Commission on the Status of Women which was established by the Government some time ago. When the Commission's report is received, I intend, in consultation with the national organisations of employers and workers and other interested bodies, to re-examine the matter.