Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 4

Written Answers. - EU Directives.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

259 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the EU directives coming wholly or partly under the auspices of his Department that were not fully implemented as of 1 June 1998; the reference number and subject matter of each directive; the deadline for implementation set out in the directive; whether it is proposed to implement the directive by means of a Bill or by statutory instrument; and when it is proposed to implement the directive. [13954/98]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

While there are currently no EU directives wholly under the auspices of my Department awaiting transposal into Irish law, the EU Parental Leave Directive 96/34/EC has implications for my Department.

The provisions of the directive include the protection of social security rights acquired or in the process of being acquired by a worker on the date they begin their period of parental leave.

In this regard, existing social welfare rights will be protected by the award of credited contributions during the period of parental leave, where necessary. The introduction of the necessary social welfare regulations will coincide with the introduction of the provisions of the Parental Leave Bill 1998.