asked the Minister for Health if the Government have sought a derogation from the EEC Directive on equal treatment for men and women in the social security system; and how it is proposed to implement the terms of the Directive.
504.
Written Answers. - Equal Social Security Treatment.
502.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if deserted husbands will benefit from the EEC Directive on equal treatment for men and women in the social security system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
505.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is intended to implement EEC Directive 79/7/EEC in full giving equal treatment to men and women in matters of social security and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is proposed to take Question Nos. 504, 502 and 505 together.
EEC Directive 79/7/EEC adopted by the Council of Ministers on 19 December 1978 provides for the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment as between men and women in matters of social security. The directive relates to statutory schemes providing protection against sickness, invalidity, old age, unemployment, accidents at work and occupational diseases. Other schemes such as those for survivors and deserted spouses are not covered. The Government have not sought a derogation from the directive and the action it proposes to take is set out in paragraph 5.59 of the recently published National Plan Building on Reality 1985-1987.
In pursuance of the commitment in the plan legislation is at present being prepared for full implementation of the directive. It is the intention that the detailed provisions of the Government's proposals will be introduced shortly in the Dáil by way of amending legislation.