Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 1996

Vol. 462 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Studies.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

57 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the total number of studies undertaken by his Department or by an agency under the aegis of his Department; the number of matters that he or the Minister(s) of State at his Department have referred for study/report/review to an expert group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4385/96]

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

Since the formation of the Government 11 studies have been undertaken by my Department or by agencies under the aegis of my Department. Details of the studies are as follows:

Department of Equality and Law Reform

An inquiry was conducted on my behalf into the appointment of a solicitor-in-charge in the Monaghan office of the Legal Aid Board.

Legal Aid Board

A study was conducted on computerisation of law centres and the head office of the Legal Aid Board.

Employment Equality Agency

The following four studies have been undertaken by the Employment Equality Agency: (i)Women in the Labour Force— gender analysis of 1993 labour force and employment statistics. (ii) Access to the Live Register and to employment and training schemes for women returners— research carried out in response to difficulties experienced by women wishing to return to the workforce following a period of full-time in the home. (iii) Survey and Audit Equality Practices in the Dairy Industry— research to establish the gender profile of the workforce of this economic sector. (iv) Introducing Family-Friendly Initiatives in the Workplace— publication designed to draw attention to increased demand for flexible arrangements from working parents.

Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities

The Commission established five working groups to examine the following areas of particular concern to people with disabilities: (i) Arts/Culture; (ii) Health; (iii) Rights of People with Disabilities; (iv) Technology/Telecommunications; (v) Transport/Mobility.

There is no Minister of State in my Department.