Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2013
207. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review and impact assessment of the habitual residence condition will be concluded in relation to ethnicity and gender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7808/13]
View answerThe Habitual Residence Condition (HRC) has applied since 2004 to non-contributory social welfare payments and to child benefit. It is applied uniformly and without distinction as to gender or ethnicity. The HRC guidelines were reviewed in 2011 and the updated guidelines were made available on the Department’s website in June 2011 after training had been rolled out to all staff. There is no current review and impact assessment of HRC in relation to ethnicity and gender, (which are not criteria for assessment) nor is it proposed to introduce such criteria, or conduct such a review.
