asked the Minister for Labour if, in view of the Taoiseach's statement at the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis that there are still areas of discrimination and difficulty for women in Irish society, he will indicate which aspects of existing discrimination against women the Government is most immediately concerned about and the proposals he has to end such discrimination.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Discrimination against Women.
30.
Since its publication in December 1972 the report of the Commission on the Status of Women has been accepted as containing the terms of reference for the reforms which will lead to the elimination of discrimination against women in our society.
Of the 75 recommendations made 41 have been implemented, nine have been implemented in part. As to the remaining 25 the implementation of three is in progress and the implementation of a further four is under consideration. Sixteen have not been implemented to date and two are no longer applicable.
There remain areas of discrimination and difficulty for women in Irish society. One major area is that of paid maternity leave. I have circulated proposals for legislation to Government Departments and I propose to discuss the matter also with the social partners. I am to introduce legislation during the next session of the Dáil.
Other important items remain. Certain aspects of family law are under consideration with the Law Reform Commission and the Minister for Justice; criminal conversation and related matters are included as indicated by the Minister for Justice recently in the Dáil. Child care facilities are under consideration in the relevant Government Departments.
The changing of attitudes is a major factor in the elimination of discrimination against women in our society. I am convinced that education has a major role to play in this change. At my request the Employment Equality Agency have commissioned a research project on the extent to which curricular differences in post-primary schools may be contributing to the inequality of employment opportunity for girls.
Arrangements have been made for financial assistance to the Council for the Status of Women who will have a role relating to the elimination of the outstanding areas of discrimination remaining over from the report of the Commission on the Status of Women. Resources as to accommodation, staff and the funding of research will be made available to the Council for the Status of Women in addition to the £8,000 provided for 1980.
Would it not be a much simpler manifestation of the Government's intention in relation to equality if they make it a rule that a percentage of all appointments should go to women? Is he not aware that in reply to recent questions the percentage of women in Government appointments was about 10 per cent? Would the Government not put that right?
I did not hear the beginning of the Deputy's question.
The Minister may not be aware that I put down questions to each Minister asking the percentage of appointments made by them which were filled by women. The percentage was derisory. Would he not agree that it would be a much clearer manifestation of the Government's commitment to equality if this imbalance was reconciled fast?
A misleading question such as this needs a reply. As far as my Department are concerned the majority of appointments are nominees from both sides of industry and appointed by me—in other words, the nominations are made, with very few exceptions. I appointed women in certain instances and I am aware that this would apply equally to all my colleagues in Government. The Deputy must agree that women have been appointed to all recent bodies or agencies set up by this Government.
Surely the opposite is the truth? A number of bodies which had female representatives on the board do not have any since the Government took office. The Minister must be aware of that fact from the figures which have been published.
If the Deputy tells me the bodies concerned I will have the matter examined to see if there is a reason for that.
The Minister made a general statement, not just about his Department, and I am challenging that. The Minister said, "since the Government came in". Since the Government came in the ESB and the Law Reform Commission are two cases in point.
Is the Deputy stating that there was a woman on the board of the ESB prior to this Government taking office?
Yes.
Obviously, I cannot answer that because it is not a board that affects me.
It is unwise to make statements on a matter one is not informed about.
I was talking about the general situation that has arisen.
The replies from each Minister to my question show absolute disregard for equality. The Government's record in this area is appalling. Lip-service is not action.