It is leading to another question. Dealing with the question of equality of employment for women we have, first of all, to see that the constraints are removed.

That is a statement.

I am sorry, I am coming to the question. Is the Minister aware that women are on average earning 60 per cent of men`s salaries and does he propose to do anything about it?

That is a separate question.

May I read the original question.

Please do not hold up the time of the House. I do not want to be personal but the Deputy should resume his seat while the Minister is answering.

Certainly. I want to get a reply.

The Minister.

Fine, if the Chair wants me to reply. I am aware of what the Deputy is referring to and I appreciate it is a completely separate question but the purpose of the agency and of the legislation is to remedy the situation that exists.

What precise steps is the Minister taking to ensure that women get a a real equality and not just a spurious equality? what has he done to see that the 60 per cent is raised in the next year, for instance?

If the Deputy was listening to the reply he must be aware of the opportunities open to women to raise these issues either directly or through the trade union movement. The establishment of the agency is directly concerned with investigating the progress of both the 1974 and the 1977 Acts. In addition, under the EEC directive we are committed to reviewing this legislation before the end of 1979 and reviewing our experience under these Acts in line with the EEC directive.

May I take it the Minister himself has done nothing and has no proposals to do anything about equal pay and equal employment opportunity for women?

That stupid question does not deserve an answer.

I am calling Question No. 8. If I might remind the Deputy, his question related to legislation.

Yes.

We have moved far away from that.

I am asking the Minister if he is proposing ——

It is not in order to raise every matter remotely related to a single question. In the interests of making some progress—I hate making these long statements—I must point out there are many other Deputies awaiting replies to their questions.

I presume Deputies on this side are entitled to protection when they seek information and do not get it. The Minister has not really given any information. I am asking the Minister if, arising directly out or the question——

This is absolutely ridiculous. I have answered the question.

I do not want to embarrass the Minister but I want to know if he has taken any initiative himself in relation to equality of opportunity and equal pay. Everything done so far was done by Deputy Michael O'Leary. Has the Minister done anything or does he propose to do anything?

Question No. 8.