asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in implementing the necessary legislation providing equality as between men and women in matters of social security which was initiated by him in December 1984, the deadline laid down by the EC; if he is aware of the annoyance that such delay is causing to women in particular and the trade union movement in general; when this legislation will be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Legislation.
100.
The Social Welfare (No. 2) Act, 1985, which was enacted last July, provides for the implementation of EC Directive 79/7/EEC on equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security. Section 24 of the Act states that it will come into operation on a date to be fixed by ministerial order. It is generally known that the delay in implementing the Act is due to the fact that one of the trade unions which has the highest number of staff membership in the Department has taken the view that the implementation of the Act cannot go ahead until such time as certain staffing issues have been resolved. Discussions are actively under way on this matter at the present time and it is the intention to begin implementing the Act as soon as the difficulties have been resolved.