Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 8

Written Answers. - EC Legislation.

Peter Barry

Question:

433 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline the EC legislation in his Department which has not been implemented; when he intends to implement this legislation; and whether it must be in place before 1993.

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. McCreevy)

There is a provision in Directive 86/613/EC concerning access to social insurance for spouses of self-employed workers which may require amendment of the Social Welfare Acts.

The question of social insurance coverage for spouses of employees and the self-employed is being looked at by the Pensions Board in the context of its report on a new pensions system and I expect that this will be one of the issues which will be addressed in that report. The question of legislation in this area will be considered in the light of that report.

The Deputy will also be aware of the EC Directive 79/7 on equal treatment for men and women in social security matters generally, the deadline for implementation of which was 23 December 1984. This directive was implemented by the Social Welfare (No. 2) Act 1985 which came into force in two phases with effect from May and November 1986. As recently announced, the Government have decided to provide for equality of treatment in respect of the period of the delay in implementing the directive. The precise details are being finalised at present.

There is no other EC legislation in the social security area which is awaiting implementation.