Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Jun 1973

Vol. 266 No. 8

Redundancy Payments Bill, 1973: Second and Subsequent Stages.

Minister for Lands (for the Minister for Labour) (Mr. T.J. Fitzpatrick

, Cavan): I move: “That the Bill be now read a Second Time.”

The purpose of this Bill is to remove the liability to pay contributions to the redundancy fund from widows, deserted wives and unmarried mothers who are receiving pensions or allowances under one or other of the schemes of the Department of Social Welfare and who take up insurable employment. These people will, of course, be eligible for redundancy lump sums and redundancy weekly payments, subject to the conditions of the Redundancy Payments Acts, 1967 and 1971.

The Bill is a reflection of the humanitarian considerations which inspired the removal of the liability of the persons in question to pay social insurance contributions under the Social Welfare Bill, 1973, and is a measure of my endorsement of that policy.

To achieve my purpose, a short amending Act is necessary and it is essential that the legislation be enacted before the end of this month in order to harmonise with the relevant social welfare legislation.

I recommend the Bill to the House.

Mr. Brennan

The Bill is designed to bring into line with the provisions of the Social Welfare Acts the removal of the liability for redundancy payment in respect of deserted wives and widows, as provided for in the Social Welfare Bill. I gave an undertaking already to the Minister to allow the Bill to go through in the shortest possible time.

There is a reference in section I (3A) to "a deserted wife's allowance or a social assistance allowance under section 8 of the Social Welfare Act, 1973". I think that is still in keeping with the provisions of the Social Welfare Act social assistance allowances?

Mr. T.J. Fitzpatrick

(Cavan): The reference to social assistance allowance refers to an allowance payable to unmarried mothers which was introduced for the first time this year.

Mr. Brennan

I agree with the Second Reading of the Bill.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill put through Committee, reported without amendment, received for final consideration and passed.

Mr. T.J. Fitzpatrick

(Cavan): I would like to thank Deputy Brennan and Members of the House for facilitating the passing of this Bill. As I said when introducing it, it is essential that the Bill be passed by both Houses as soon as possible.

Mr. Brennan

We are a most co-operative Opposition.