Michael Woods
Question:23 Dr. Woods asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the measures, if any, he proposes to provide for equal treatment in matters of social security for women who work full-time in the home. [1978/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Equal Treatment for Women.
Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:39 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform his views on whether it is time to assess married women on a separate basis from their husbands in the matter of unemployment assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2000/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 39 together.
I referred the relevant recommendations of the Second Commission on the Status of Women, which dealt with the issues referred to in these questions, to the Minister for Social Welfare. It is for that Minister to take decisions on such matters and to propose changes.
I wish to ask the Minister about the importance of long term social security cover for women in the home. This matter has been dealt with in the Report of the National Pensions Board which proposed a wide range of measures for women in the home to ensure that they can participate in the pensions system and not remain as dependants of their husbands, not only up to but beyond pension age. One of the first issues which needs to be tackled is the post-pension age years to enable women who work full time in the home to accumulate entitlements which would ultimately entitle them to pensions on retirement. Many improvements have taken place in the past and, as a result, the gap in the financial cost is not so great as it used to be. What measures are proposed by the Minister and the Government to provide that equality of treatment for women?
The issues raised by Deputy Woods are very important and I fully understand them. Until recently Deputy Woods was Minister for Social Welfare and he will be well aware that the matters raised come within the ambit of the Minister for Social Welfare. The best suggestion I can make to him would be to table a question on these issues to the Minister for Social Welfare.
I had various proposals. I would expect and hope that the Minister would put his shoulder to the wheel in trying to ensure that women——
I have never been found wanting in that regard.
——in these circumstances can rely on him to support the proposals, and some of the very good suggestions, I left in the Department for the incoming Minister, if he wishes to take them up.