Nuala Fennell
Ceist:1 Mrs. Fennell asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the recommendations of the First Report of the Second Commission on the Status of Women that have not been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Recommendations of Second Commission on the Status of Women.
As has been indicated already to the Deputy in a reply to her question on 22 October 1991, the seven interim recommendations of the Commission on the Status of Women were accepted in principle by the Government immediately after publication of the commission's first statement in April 1991.
The only recommendation of the commission which has yet to be addressed by the Government refers to the appointment of a woman as a member of the Top Level Appointments Committee who select candidates for the top posts in the Civil Service. I have, however, invited a suitable candidate to act on the committee, and to give effect to this recommendation. I am awaiting her reply.
I thank the Taoiseach for his reply and I would refer him to recommendation No. 1 of the report which calls for legislation to be introduced to give an equal right to women to the family home. This has not been implemented. Could the Taoiseach give me an idea as to why there is a delay on this since we now have the judgment of the Supreme Court, waiting for which was holding up the legislation when I last asked about it?
Work has been proceeding on the drafting of a family home Bill which will correct the situation, and the Supreme Court decision merely confirmed that legislation is necessary to address this issue. The draft heads of a Bill are currently with the parliamentary draftsman, although the Attorney General has given a lengthy opinion criticising some of the draft provisions. The Bill may be introduced before the summer recess and will be if possible.
Is the Taoiseach saying that the new appointment to the Top Level Appointments Committee will be effective from now?
Yes, if the woman who has been invited to take up the position does so.