CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with interest the Government's detailed report, including the information compiled by the Directorate-General of Social Action and the Commission for Equality at Work and Employment (CITE).

1. The Committee notes with satisfaction the adoption of Act No. 1/97 of 20 September 1997, which amended the Portuguese Constitution and, inter alia, establishes that all workers, regardless of gender, have the right for work to be organized in such a way as to assist them to reconcile their professional and family responsibilities (Constitutional article 59(1)(b)) and that mothers and fathers should be granted the right to leave from work for reasonable periods, in keeping with the child's interests and the needs of the family unit (Constitutional article 68(4)).

2. The Committee further notes with interest the amendments to Act No. 4/84 incorporating European Economic Council Directive No. 92/85/EEC into the national legislation (Act No. 17/95 of 9 June 1995) and extending maternity leave as well as special childcare leave.

3. The Committee is addressing a request directly to the Government on other points.