Bernard J. Durkan
Question:65 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Welfare the extent to which equality requirements are now being met in terms of equal social welfare benefits or assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Equality Requirements.
The Irish social welfare system complies with the requirements of EC Directive 79/7 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment between men and women in matters of social security. This Directive applies to schemes providing protection against sickness, invalidity, old age, accidents at work and occupational diseases, and unemployment.
The Directive was implemented in Ireland by way of the Social Welfare (No. 2) Act, 1985, which was enacted by the Oireachtas in July 1985. The provisions of that Act were brought into force by way of commencement orders in two phases with effect from May and November 1986. In June 1992, regulations were introduced to provide for retrospective legislation to cover the period of delay in implementing the EC Directive.
The scope of the Directive does not extend to family benefits or survivors' schemes. Nevertheless, considerable progress has been made in providing for equality of treatment in these areas.
Last week I announced the introduction of a new widower's contributory pension, at an annual cost of £16 million, with effect from October next. The introduction of this new scheme is a major achievement in the provision of equal treatment in the social insurance system. It complements the developments already made in relation to achieving equality of treatment in the social assistance system. In this regard, I introduced new social assistance allowances for widowers and deserted fathers with dependent children in 1989. These schemes were subsequently incorporated into the lone parent's allowance which I introduced in 1990. This scheme caters for all lone parents, irrespective of whether they are male or female or of the circumstances which gave rise to the lone parenthood.