Peter Barry
Question:132 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Social Welfare when it is proposed to implement EC Directive 79/7 on the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security.
Written Answers. - EC Equal Treatment Directive.
EC Directive 79/7 provided for the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment between men and women in statutory social security schemes including sickness, invalidity, old age, occupational injuries and unemployment. That directive did not, however, provide for equal treatment in relation to survivors benefits, family benefits and pensionable age.
All of the measures necessary to implement the directive were provided for in the Social Welfare (No. 2) Act, 1985, which was brought into force by way of commencement orders in 1986.
Proposals for a third directive designed to apply the principle of equal treatment to areas of social security not covered by the previous directive are currently under discussion at EC level.