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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 7

Written Answers. - Contributory Pension Equality.

Richard Bruton

Question:

245 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he will extend contributory widow's pension to include widowers; and if he will make a statement on the potential breach of equality provisions which the non-payment of widower's pension creates.

The issue of extending cover for contributory widow's pension to include widowers arises for consideration to the context of proposals published by the EC Commission for a directive aimed at completing the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security. The EC Council is continuing its examination of the proposal for such a directive.

The EC Directive on equal treatment of men and women in matters of social security which came into effect in 1984 did not apply to survivor's pensions and similar payments. Proposals from the Commission for extending equal treatment to areas of social security not already covered are under consideration.
This matter is also being examined by the National Pensions Board in the context of its proposals for a new national pensions system. The report of the board is expected to be available in the near future.
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