With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together.
No absolute ceiling was fixed to funds available for International Women's Year. Instead, the criteria used made it possible that financial assistance would be forthcoming for worthwhile projects which would advance in a practical way the status of women in our society. Many such projects were recommended by the women's representative committee and, in all, 17 organisations have been assisted with International Women's Year projects.
The programme endorsed by the women's representative committee for International Women's Year 1975, announced on the 10th January, has been fully complied with. Activities undertaken over the year included the issue of a special commemorative stamp by the Department of Posts & Telegraphs; the preparation of an essay competition, prizes for which will be presented during this week. A number of very successful conferences, seminars and exhibitions organised by the various women's organisations were held. During the year, the media co-operated in producing many discussion programmes of an informational nature on the status of women in our society. I would especially, in this connection, like to congratulate RTE radio on the Thomas Davis lecture series on women and Irish society.
The International Women's Year programme in this country has, I think, assisted in focusing attention on the steps needed to equalise the status of women in Ireland.