asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reasons for the apparent discriminations (details supplied) against women under the social employment fund.
Written Answers. - Social Employment Fund.
527.
It is assumed that the Deputy's question relates to the social employment scheme. Responsibility for the administration of that scheme, including the eligibility conditions, is a matter for the Minister for Labour. One of the conditions for participation in the scheme is that a person must be in receipt of unemployment assistance which has different eligibility conditions for men and women. The Social Welfare (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 1984 circulated on 13 December 1984 contains proposals which will enable women to apply for unemployment assistance on the same basis as other unemployed persons. It is not possible to state the date of implementation of these provisions in advance of their enactment by the Oireachtas.