Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Jun 1992

Vol. 421 No. 1

Written Answers. - Retrospective Payment Applications.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

31 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in regard to the scheme for retrospective payments to cover the delay in implementing equal treatment in social welfare, he will outline the number of applications received so far by his Department; the steps which are planned to identify and alert women who may qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. McCreevy)

The Government have decided to provide for equality of treatment in respect of the period of delay in implementing Equal Treatment Directive on social welfare matters. Payments will be made on a phased basis over the period 1992 to 1994. A sum of £22 million has been made available in 1992 for the purpose of making the retrospective payments.

Details of the measures to be introduced will be announced within the next week.

My Department are currently involved in identifying from its existing records all potential claimants to equal treatment arrears payments. It is the intention to notify all such claimants on an individual basis of the new measures and invite them to formally apply for the arrears payments. It is estimated that up to 100,000 persons will qualify for such payments. A new central unit is being established to process these applications.

Some 30,000 claims have been received in my Department for arrears of payments arising from the Directive.