Bernard J. Durkan
Question:132 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the extent, if any, to which he will address the income anomalies of women in the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2157/00]
Vol. 513 No. 2
132 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the extent, if any, to which he will address the income anomalies of women in the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2157/00]
It is assumed that the Deputy is raising the issue of individualisation in the social welfare code in that this issue affects mainly women.
Individualisation of the social welfare system was considered in the report of the working group examining the treatment of married, cohabiting, and one-parent families under the tax and social welfare codes. The group noted that individualisation already exists to a certain extent, firstly, in the social insurance system to the extent that those who meet the contribution conditions receive a payment in their own right; and also in the old age non-contributory pension arrangements whereby in the case of a couple, each over age 66, there is a joint means test and payment is then on an individual basis.
The group considered that individualisation of the system could best be achieved through the expansion of social insurance to enable individuals to establish their own direct rights and social welfare entitlements. Much has already been achieved in this area over the last 12 years with coverage being extended to the self employed, 1988, part-time workers, 1991, and new civilpublic servants, 1995. In addition, measures were introduced in 1994 to protect the insurance records of those who take time out from the paid workforce for caring duties.