Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 6

Written Answers. - Equal Treatment Provisions.

Bernard Allen

Question:

86 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a person (details supplied) in Cork city, who has already received payment under the Equal Treatment provisions, will receive interest payments on moneys due to her since 1984; when that payment will be made; if it will be necessary for her to go to a solicitor to process her case; and if so, the reason for this.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The legislative measures providing for equal treatment during the period of delay, from December 1984 to November 1986, in implementing EC Directive 79/7 are contained in the European Communities (Social Welfare) Regulations, 1992 (S.I. No. 152 of 1992).

Under the provisions of the regulations, the retrospective payments are being made on a phased basis over the period 1992 to 1994. The person concerned has already received a payment in respect of the higher personal rate of disability benefit which was paid to her during that period of delay. While she will also qualify for a payment in lieu of dependancy increases her exact entitlement in this regard has not been calculated. When calculated, her entitlement, if it amounts to £100 or more, will be payable in two equal instalments in 1993 and 1994. If her entitlement is less than £100 the payment will be made in one instalment in 1993.

There is no provision for the payment of interest on the retrospective payments provided for in the regulations.