Nuala Fennell
Ceist:7 Mrs. Fennell asked the Taoiseach if the Second Commission on the Status of Women will be presenting an interim report, as did the first commission.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commission on the Status of Women.
The Second Commission on the Status of Women was established on 1 November 1990. Its terms of reference set a timescale of 18 months for its report to Government.
Within its terms of reference, of course, the commission takes its decisions independently. I am informed the current position is that while the commission is considering making an initial report to the Government in advance of the target date no such decision has yet been taken.
I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. In the context of the commitments to equality in the economic and social programme which include amendments to the Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act, and the Employment Equality Act, is it likely that this legislation will not come on stream until after the final report of the commission which could be a year and a half away?
No, there would be no question of any legislation being held up waiting for the final report of the commission.
Would the Taoiseach not accept that it is important to canvass the views of the members of the commission in advance of legislation? Furthermore, having regard to his proposals to amend the family planning legislation, would it not be appropriate to canvass the views of the commission on that issue also?
That is not their role nor would it, strictly speaking, be within their terms of reference but, of course, informal consultations can and will be held.