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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Jul 1986

Vol. 368 No. 8

Written Answers. - Extension of Welfare Payments.

178.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of applicants for an extension of benefit under the EC directive on equality of welfare payments that have been refused extensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Arising from the legislation to provide equal treatment between men and women in regard to social welfare schemes, the duration of unemployment benefit for married women was extended from 312 days to 390 days, the same as men and single women, with effect from 15 May 1986. Any married woman claimant who exhausted 312 days unemployment benefit on or after 15 May 1986 is entitled to an additional 78 days benefit. Under transitional arrangements married women who exhausted their entitlement within 78 days prior to 15 May 1986 are entitled to benefit in respect of the remaining days of unemployment after that date.

Married women who exhausted their entitlement to 312 days unemployment benefit more than 78 days prior to 15 May 1986 did not qualify for extended payments. Records are not kept in such a way as to enable details to be readily obtained of the numbers in this situation who may have applied for and been refused payment. Such persons can requalify for unemployment benefit after they have had a further 13 weeks of insurable employment.

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