Would the Taoiseach indicate if it was in conformity with that stated objective of effectively safeguarding women's rights that the Attorney General, presumably with the full approval of the Government, established a committee to review the Constitution which does not have any woman member on it?

This is a matter for the Attorney General. The appointment of a woman to that committee is under consideration and the Deputy should not think the matter is closed.

Would the Taoiseach not agree that the complete committee has been announced in the public press and that it is negativing any bona fides by this Government in regard to the area of women's rights that such an important committee could be established, presumably with the full approval of the Taoiseach and the Government, without one woman member?

Because of the urgency of the matter we made an announcement about the setting up of this committee and the question of having an additional woman member on it is under consideration.

Is it the position that the Taoiseach is endeavouring, late in the day, to mend his hand by appointing a token woman to that committee?

We do not appoint token women to anything and we do not have any token women on our benches.