asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether deserted wives whose husbands live outside the State and do not maintain them qualify for assistance under the social welfare code; and, if not, whether pending the enactment of legislation in England to enforce Irish maintenance orders against such husbands, he will take whatever steps he can to assist such wives.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deserted Wives.
48.
There is no specific provision in the legislation administered by my Department for payment to a wife on the ground that she has been deserted. A woman in that position may, however, obtain home assistance if her circumstances warrant it. I am considering the inclusion in the social welfare legislation of a suitable provision to meet such cases.
49.
asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the grievous plight of deserted wives in this country and of the suffering they endure; when he hopes to take action to assist them and to provide for them and their dependants; and if he will state the number of deserted wives in the country.
Proposals for increasing the maximum amount of allowance which the district court may order a husband to pay in respect of the maintenance of his wife and children whom he has deserted are included in the scheme of a Bill dealing with the jurisdiction of the courts, which is being considered by the Government. The question of giving financial assistance to deserted wives and children is at present being examined by the Minister for Local Government and Social Welfare.
Reliable information as to the number of deserted wives in the country is not available, nor is it possible to give a reasonable estimate.
Could the Minister be at all more specific as to when legislation will be brought in to bring relief to these unfortunate people?
I have told the Deputy that this measure is now before the Government. I would expect it to be introduced during the next session.