Women's health, the economy and education were among the main issues in submissions to the Government on the National Plan for Women (2001- 2005). Some 336 submissions were made by individuals and groups, according to information received under the Freedom of Information Act.
The plan is expected to be finished by the Department of Justice in late June or early July but its announcement may be delayed.
More than 200 submissions addressed several issues at once, such as poverty, violence and the environment. The next greatest number concentrated on women's health issues (24) while the economy, education and violence against women also featured. Just one submission was listed under the category of childcare (from the Ballymun Women's Resource Centre) but the issue may have been addressed under other categories, such as the economy or education.
The freedom of information officer in the Department of Justice said the submissions would not be released until the plan was finalised, as this might prejudice the consultation process.
Two submissions highlighted men's issues, while another discussed women's spirituality. The Brothers and Sisters in Christ raised religion while parenting problems were raised by Parentline, the voluntary helpline for parents. Most submissions came from women's groups, with 49 from ICA guilds and groups. Others came from groups such as the Irish Wheelchair Association, the Women's Health Council and the Combat Poverty Agency. They also arrived from groups as diverse as the Association of Bahàì Women, IBM Ireland, Limerick East Fianna Fáil Women's Group and the ESB Officers Association.
A Department of Justice spokesman said delays in the announcement of the plan were due to the "unprecedented" public response.
