John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 253: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in publishing the National Women's Strategy to which Ireland originally committed at the Beijing platform for action in 1995; when the strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12352/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Ireland's commitment under the Beijing platform to create an action plan for women was fulfilled with the publication of Ireland's report to the United Nations on the national plan for women, in autumn 2002. The report, which was prepared following extensive consultation, described Ireland's commitments to advancing the status of women in Irish society. It was also envisaged that this work would be followed by the preparation of a national strategy for women.

The preparation, by an inter-departmental committee, of a new and far-reaching national women's strategy has been under way under the chairmanship of my Department since 2005. Work is at an advanced stage and I am hopeful that it will be brought to fruition later this year.

The strategy will, when complete, cover a very wide range of actions and commitments to further advance the role and status of women in Irish society and will link with the Beijing platform, which, as the Deputy will be aware, was very broad reaching. It is my intention to bring forward a comprehensive and well researched national women's strategy which will reflect the lives and different situations of the women of Ireland.