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With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee notes the information contained in the Government's report.

1. The Committee continues to draw the Government's attention to the importance of including in national legislation a definition of equal pay consistent with that provided for in the Convention. In the meantime, it requests the Government to take measures to ensure that women are protected against discrimination in "work of equal value" as well as when they perform equal work.

2. Noting from the Government's report that wages in commercial enterprises and independent companies are set by collective bargaining, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply copies of collective bargaining agreements which have recently been concluded by the social partners. In those instances where Government has set wages in consultation with workers' organizations, please provide copies of these wage scales.

3. The Committee notes the Government's indication that, at the present time, there are no statistics available which show the different levels occupied in the public service by men and women or which set out the average wage earned by occupation or branch of industry. The Committee would nevertheless stress to the Government the importance of collecting such statistical information in order to be able to assess the application of the principle set out in the Convention. The Committee thus requests the Government to make every effort to supply in its next report: (i) information concerning the wage scales applying in the public sector, together with an indication of the percentage of men and women occupying posts at different levels; and, (ii) statistical data concerning the average actual earnings of women and men, broken down, if possible, by occupation, branch of activity, seniority and level of qualifications.