Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 1

Written Answers. - EC Equality Payments.

Michael Bell

Question:

424 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Social Welfare if payment is due under the EC Equality payments in relation to dependent children; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that payments made to date for the 1984/86 period have not included payments for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. McCreevy)

Payment of arrears under the Equal Treatment provisions is being made on a phased basis in 1992, 1993 and 1994. The first phase payments, which are currently being made, consist of arrears of the higher personal rate due to married women who claimed certain social welfare payments in the period December 1984 to May 1986. It also caters for the payment of arrears due to married women as a result of the extended duration of Unemployment Benefit in the same period.

Arrears due in respect of household supplement which includes increases for qualified child dependants will, in accordance with the legislative provisions, be paid in two equal instalments in 1993 and 1994 with amounts of less than £100 being paid in full in 1993.