asked the Minister for Labour if, in relation to the Government's proposal to introduce legislation to end discrimination against women, he will make a statement indicating the scope of the proposed legislation and when he expects that it will come before Dáil Éireann.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment Discrimination.
5.
I intend introducing legislation to combat discrimination in employment, which will include discrimination on grounds of sex in the recruitment, promotion and training of workers.
I consider this to be an essential supplement to legislation on equal pay. Indeed, in the circumstances of our society here such legislation is fundamentally important if equality in a real sense is to be achieved.
The area is, however, a complex one necessitating a great deal of consultation and I do not envisage being able to introduce this legislation before the end of the year at the earliest.
6.
asked the Minister for Labour the year in which he envisages that Article 119 of the EEC Treaty relating to equal pay for equal work will be implemented in this country.
7.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will introduce penalties for employers who do not respect the principle of equal pay.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.
On 3rd July, 1973, the Conditions of Employment (Equal Pay) Bill, 1973, was introduced in the Dáil by way of long and short titles. I hope to be in a position to circulate the text of the Bill very soon. The Bill will provide for the date and method of implementation and for penalties for employers who do not respect the principle of equal pay.