Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2006
137 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Question No. 63 of 8 June 2006, if the draft National Women’s Strategy has been finalised; if not, when he expects it to be completed; the names of the groups or organisations involved in the external consultation process; the areas covered by the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30681/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Women's Strategy, which is nearing completion, is a wide ranging document setting out the Government's Strategy to foster socio-economic opportunity; well-being; and active participation in decision making for the women of Ireland over a ten year period.
The Strategy is set in a context where we have a strong corpus of equality legislation in place but where women still experience difficulties in achieving true gender equality. The Deputy's earlier question on the gender pay gap, to which he refers in this question, is just one of a range of issues where women still experience inequality. The issues are often complex and multifaceted and the answers are therefore also complex and require far-seeing responses.
The Inter-Departmental Committee appointed to undertake the task of preparing the Strategy brings together senior representatives from all fifteen Government Departments under the chairmanship of my Department. This Committee has been tasked to
take responsibility for drafting and finalising a National Women's Strategy, as committed to in Sustaining Progress;
consult with the Social Partners and National Women's Council of Ireland, through the Consultation Group, in developing the Strategy; and
advise in relation to a communication plan for the publication and launch of the Strategy.
The Consultation Group includes representatives of the employer organisations, trade unions, the community and voluntary pillar, the farming pillar and the National Women's Council. This group is tasked to
receive and comment on drafts of the National Women's Strategy as prepared by the Inter-Departmental Committee;
advise in relation to the content of the National Women's Strategy; and
contribute to the development of a communication plan for the publication and launch of the Strategy.
In addition, the Equality Authority has been consulted in relation to the Strategy.
The Inter-Departmental Committee is currently finalising a full draft of the Strategy prior to its submission for further consideration by the Consultation Group. I am hopeful that the Strategy will be ready for publication before the end of this year.
The draft Strategy is a well structured document which aims to draw together all of the actions of Government which impact upon the lives of women. It is therefore very broad ranging, addressing issues varying from social inclusion and women's risk of poverty to female membership of State Boards, from the gender pay gap to female entrepreneurship.
Its aim is to include a range of actions which support women in all the facets of their lives, from school through to old age and its implementation will involve positive actions from almost all Government Departments.
The National Women's Strategy is being prepared to honour a commitment made to the women of Ireland, both in Sustaining Progress, the partnership agreement, and in the international forum of CEDAW, the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
The present Strategy was preceded by an Action Plan prepared in the context of the Beijing Platform for Action under the auspices of the United Nations. Again the Beijing Platform for Action, which was prepared in the context of a UN World Summit for Women, identified twelve areas of concern in relation to women's issues. Cognisance is being taken of these in the preparation of the National Women's Strategy.
In addition, in preparation for the Action Plan, a widespread consultation took place with women throughout Ireland and their aspirations are being incorporated as far as possible into the National Women's Strategy.
While it may appear that the preparation of the Strategy has been time consuming, it has involved a significant amount of research and consultation with a view to preparing a comprehensive strategy that will resonate with all the women of Ireland. I make no apology for the time which it is taking, as I believe that the Strategy, when published, will provide a solid road map for the achievement of true gender equality in Ireland.
