asked the Minister for Labour when it is intended to introduce maternity leave legislation.

4.

asked the Minister for Labour when it is intended to introduce general paid maternity leave throughout industry.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 4 together.

When the results of studies at present under way are made available to me, I shall be bringing the issues involved to the Government for consideration and decision.

Do the Minister and the Government accept the essential concept in the questions here that it is desirable to have fully paid maternity leave?

I have mentioned this in the House before. I am having and have had studies carried out, and as soon as those studies are completed I will bring the issues involved before the Government for consideration and decision by the Government, I would hope, at an early stage.

But the Minister is not committed to the idea in principle.

Of course I am. I meant this to be implicit in the reply.

Did the Minister say he hoped to have this before the Government at an early stage?

Yes. At an early stage.