Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 596: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Government will publish the national women's strategy; the position regarding the commitments given under the Beijing platform; and if he will address the issues of violence against women. [10357/06]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 621: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he plans to publish the national women's strategy. [10298/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 596 and 621 together.

The national women's strategy that is now being developed builds upon the national plan for women, which was published in 2002. When completed, the broadly-based strategy will include objectives and actions which further advance the progress already made by women towards greater gender equality in many sectors, such as increased labour market participation and narrowing the gender pay gap, and address the significant gaps which still exist in others, such as social inclusion, participation in decision making at the highest levels and in representative politics.

It will also take into consideration recommendations and requirements laid down by the European Union, the Council of Europe and the United Nations to advance gender equality and overcome discrimination. The relevant critical areas of concern included in the Beijing platform for action will also be addressed in the strategy, as appropriate.

Work on the far-reaching new national women's strategy is well advanced. Its development is being overseen by an interdepartmental committee of senior officials, under the chairmanship of my Department, and is the subject of an external consultation process. I am hopeful that the draft national women's strategy will be finalised and submitted to the Government later this year.

Violence against women is one of the areas being addressed in the national women's strategy. In addition, the national steering committee on violence against women, chaired by Deputy Frank Fahey, Minister of State in my Department, has commissioned a new and more detailed strategic action plan specifically on the subject of violence against women. This dedicated strategic action plan will underpin the ongoing multi-disciplinary work to combat this violence. It is expected that the plan will be published later this year.