Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the outstanding elements of the national women's strategy to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37933/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The National Women's Strategy 2007-2016 was published by the previous Government in 2007. The aims of the strategy are largely in line with the policies of the present Government. Its actions are being implemented by a wide range of Government Departments and Agencies. It goes without saying that the constraints of the public financial situation apply to some extent. This is a ten-year strategy containing 20 objectives and over 200 actions. Its full implementation cannot be expected after just four years. I was happy to note that considerable progress is being made in the implementation of the strategy and an annual report is published on my Department's website. To highlight some of the key achievements, women's employment has been less adversely affected to date in the recession and the gender pay gap has narrowed further. Significant advances have been made in relation to cancer screening services for women. In my own Department, Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, and the Anti Human Trafficking Unit have been set up. The Minister of State is actively leading work on women in politics and other decision making roles. Among the issues which will need further development are a couple of complex social welfare issues; enhanced caring; a number of health and well-being actions such as the mental health of women in the peri-natal period and also the issue of bullying. My Department is undertaking a review of the strategy. This will explore the changed environment, achievements to date, steps to implement outstanding issues and may make recommendations for amendments which the Government will consider.