Vol. 448 No. 4
128 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Social Welfare when equality payments will be made to persons (details supplied) in County Louth; the amount of payment due in each case; the way in which it was calculated; and the level of interest due on the payment in each case. [2336/95]
The Government are committed to payment of 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 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 last June. I understand that this decision is expected on Friday, 3 February.
