Michael Bell
Question:41 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Social Welfare the criteria for payment of equality treatment arrears in view of the recent High Court case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Equality Payments.
The legal provisions relating to the payment of arrears in respect of the period of delay in implementing EC Directive 79/7 are contained in the European Communities (Social Welfare) Regulations, 1992 (S.I. No. 152 of 1992).
The regulations are being challenged in a number of proceedings relating to the implementation of the Directive which are pending before the courts. Accordingly, I am not in a position to make any comment on this matter on grounds of prejudice to the State's position in the pending proceedings.