asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware of a Bill recently passed by the French Parliament which guarantees equal pay for women who perform equal work with male employees; if he hopes to introduce similar legislation in this country; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Equal Pay.
24.
I am so aware. With regard to the second part of the Deputy's question I would refer him to the Financial Statement of the Minister for Finance delivered on 19th April, 1972, which set out Government policy in regard to the question of equal pay.
May I ask the Minister, in so far as he and his Department are concerned, what do they propose to do about the introduction of legislation similar to that which has been passed in the French Parliament? Has the Minister such legislation under consideration?
We might anticipate that this is something which is coming. As I mentioned in answer to a previous question, we are awaiting a submission from the Commission on the Status of Women but it is fairly inevitable that legislation in this direction will have to be produced.
Has the Minister any idea as to when the commission will be in a position to make a report?
I think they have had their final meeting.
Has any submission been made to the Government?
Not yet.