Timeline

1922 The Irish Free State came into existence formally on 6 December.

1923 Cumann na nGaedheal Party in government until 1932.

1927 Women not eligible for jury service unless they apply specifically.

1932 Women civil servants and national teachers lose their jobs on marriage.

1935 The employment of women in industry may be restricted and controlled.

Pensions for widows and orphans.

Contraceptives may not be sold, advertised or imported.

1937 Bunreacht na hÉireann (Constitution of Ireland).

1944 Children's allowances introduced.

1947 ESB begin Rural Electrification Scheme.

1951 Mother and Child Scheme controversy.

1952 Legal adoption introduced.

1957 Married women gain more control over their own property.

1958 Ban on married women national teachers lifted.

1965 Succession Act: widowed spouse entitled to the family home and one half of the estate where there are no children, otherwise one third of the estate.

1970 First Commission on the Status of Women set up.

Women's Liberation Movement founded.

1973 Ireland joins the European Economic Community (EEC) now the EU.

Married women in the Public Service no longer lose their jobs on marriage.

Social welfare allowances for single mothers.

1974 Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act.

1975 Women and men equally eligible for jury service.

UN International Women's Year. Beginning of UN Decade for Women.

1976 Irish Government compelled by EEC to implement equal pay for women and men.

The owning spouse may not dispose of the family home without the written consent of the other spouse.

Both partners in marriage are jointly obliged to support the family.

A court may grant a barring order which prevents the owning spouse from entering the family home.



1977 Employment Equality Act. It is unlawful to discriminate in employment on grounds of sex or marital status.

The Employment Equality Agency is set up.

End of higher pay scales for married men in the public service.



1979 Family planning and contraception allowed for married couples over 18.

1980 Married couples no longer pay more income tax than two single people.

1981 Maternity protection for pregnant employees, entitling them to 14 weeks leave and the right to return to work.

1982 First Minister of State for Women's Affairs.

1983 Constitutional amendment on abortion.

1985 Equal treatment in social welfare for women and men.

Discrimination against children born outside marriage is removed and blood tests may be used as evidence in parentage disputes.

Non medical contraception available to all adults.

Ireland acceded to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women - with reservations.

1986 Amendment to remove the constitutional ban on divorce failed.

1987 Status of Children Act

1990 Second Commission on the Status of Women.

Mary Robinson elected first woman President of Ireland.

1991 Child Care Act

1993 Irish government sets target of achieving 40% representation of women on State boards.

1995 Fourth UN World Conference on Women in Beijing.

1996 Divorce referendum. Divorce legislation introduced.

1997 Mary McAleese elected President of Ireland. Four of the five candidates for the presidency were women.