CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report.

1.  The Committee notes the parental allowance for bringing up children intended for whichever parent leaves work, either entirely or partially (in the latter case a part allowance is paid), to look after a second or subsequent child (since July 1994) during the period preceding entry to nursery school. It also notes the qualifying conditions for the allowance for caring for a child at home and for assistance to families for the employment of an approved maternal assistant. It notes that these two types of allowance are granted until the child (or the last child) reaches the age of six years and are designed to reduce the social contributions paid by parents who are linked to and employing a child carer or maternal assistant.

2.  The Committee notes, however, that the Government does not reply to the question raised in its previous direct request, namely how the "other members of their immediate family who clearly need care or support" are defined for the purposes of the application of the Convention. With reference to the definition of family responsibilities set out in Article 1 of the Convention, it once again requests the Government to supply information on any policy or measure adopted to assist workers with family responsibilities relating to the members of their immediate family other than dependent children.

3.  The Committee also once again requests the Government to indicate the measures which have been taken to assist workers in the civil service in reconciling their work and family responsibilities.

4.  The Committee notes the report on the economic aspects of equality between women and men drawn up by Mrs. Béatrice Majnoni d’Intignano, at the Government’s request, of which the central issue is the reconciliation of women’s employment, which is desirable at the macroeconomic level, with family activities which contribute decisively to individual well-being. Highlighting the economic potential of an increase in women’s employment, the report advocates a number of measures intended to exploit this potential to the maximum, particularly by alleviating the time constraints related to family responsibilities which are a burden for women. The report also proposes that discussions on demography, occupational equality between women and men, and the improvement of the quality of life should be held at the European level. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the effect given to these recommendations in its national social policy.

5.  Finally, the Committee hopes that the Government will supply the necessary information on the following points raised in its previous direct request, to which it has still not replied:

  Article 6.  The Committee requests the Government to kindly indicate any public information and education activities that have been undertaken to foster an understanding of problems faced by workers with family responsibilities, particularly in the light of the promotion of equal opportunity and treatment between men and women.

  Article 7.  The Committee notes the priority status given to workers with family responsibilities in access to vocational training courses. It requests the Government to provide information on any other measures that have been taken to facilitate the participation of workers with family responsibilities in vocational training or guidance programmes.

  Article 8.  The Committee notes that family situation cannot constitute a valid reason for termination of employment pursuant to the Labour Code and requests the Government to indicate, in this context, the meaning of the term "family situation". It also requests the Government to provide information on any existing measures that protect workers in the public service against dismissal on the grounds of family responsibilities.

  Parts IV and V of the report form.  The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the practical application of the Convention including statistical data, court decisions, collective agreements and any relevant studies or guides developed on the subject matter.