asked the Minister for Labour if he will introduce legislative provision for paid maternity leave for women workers and for necessary child care leave and if he will make a statement on the matter.

In a statement in the House on this matter on 17 May last, I indicated my commitment in principle to statutory maternity protection for women in employment. I would hope to bring forward the relevant Bill early next year.

Will the Bill include provision for paid maternity leave in the private sector?

The Deputy is aware of the position in regard to legislation prior to its being brought before the Government. The Deputy will be made aware of the provisions of the Bill in due course.

Is the Minister going to make legal provision for paid maternity leave? I would appreciate it if the Minister would answer that question and not tell me about other proposed maternity legislation.

What I said was that I had made a statement in this House and that I would hope to bring forward a Bill. I cannot disclose the contents of the Bill to the House at this stage.

I am not asking the Minister to do that. I am asking him if he is making provision for paid maternity leave?

That would be an essential part of the Bill.

It might or might not be and that is what I am trying to elicit.