Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 9

Written Answers. - European Convention on Protection of Farmers.

John Bruton

Question:

181 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason Ireland has not yet signed the Council of Europe Convention on the Social Protection of Farmers; when the Convention was opened for signature; if he proposes to introduce legislation to ratify this Convention; the advantages of this Convention for Ireland and Europe; the countries which have ratified it; and if he will make a statement on any reservations Ireland has about the Convention from a cost or other point of view.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The Council of Europe Convention on the Social Protection of Farmers was opened for signature on 6 May 1974. The Convention requires contracting states to provide a range of social security schemes for farmers at the same level as other protected categories. It also imposes obligations on contracting states in a number of other areas including farmers education, advisory and information services and working conditions on farms. To date eight member states of the Council of Europe viz. Austria, Belgium, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom have ratified it.

Since 1988 self-employed persons, including farmers are covered under Irish social security legislation for old age, and survivors benefits on the same basis as other insured persons. The question of extending the range of social insurance entitlements to self-employed persons to include invalidity pensions is at present under consideration by the National Pensions Board. Ratification of the Convention will be considered in the light of developments in this area.