asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will state in detail in relation to each semi-State body associated with his Department, what arrangements, if any, exist for the provision of paid maternity leave for their employees; and, in the case of any which do not have such arrangements, the steps he proposes to take to see that such arrangements are made.

In the only State-sponsored body associated with my Department, that is the Agency for Personal Service Overseas, the situation where paid maternity leave is necessary has not yet arisen and, consequently, no arrangements for such leave have been made. The introduction of arrangements for paid maternity leave would be a matter for negotiation in the first instance between the management and staff of the agency and I would not propose to intervene in these negotiations.

Without going into the interesting question of the rights of working women and the desirability of working mothers, would the Minister say if it is the case that the Government have no position on the question of maternity leave in relation to employees?

This is a question that would arise for the Department of the Public Service. I know that they are in possession of the problem and are dealing with it and I am certain they will deal with it competently.

The Minister has no information there?

I have no information.