It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 222 and 229 together.
The Government is committed to payment of the legally determined entitlements of married women to social welfare equality payments. The Programme for a Government of Renewal provides for the establishment of a special unit in my Department to identify women entitled to such payments and to calculate the amount of each payment. It is envisaged that all payments due will be made within a four year period.
The precise details of the package of measures to be introduced cannot be finalised in advance of the decision of the High Court in two test cases heard in June last. I understand that this decision is expected shortly.