Michael Ferris
Question:141 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the EC Equality Legislation for dependent spouses applies also to self-employed spouses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EC Equality Legislation.
Arising from the introduction of the principle of equal treatment in matters of social security under EC Directive 79/7, the definition of dependency in the social welfare code had to be revised. Under the revised arrangements a spouse is not regarded as an adult dependant where he or she is either in receipt of a social welfare payment in their own right or has weekly earnings from employment or from self-employment in excess of a specified limit. This earnings limit has been increased to £55 with effect from the beginning of June 1990.