asked the Minister for Labour whether the terms of the social employment scheme are in breach of equal pay provisions in view of the fact that an equal sum is not paid to a widower and to a married man undertaking the scheme.
Written Answers. - Social Employment Scheme.
118.
I am satisfied that there is no discrimination in pay on the grounds of sex or marital status under the social employment scheme. Under the scheme a participant receives a standard wage of £60 per week, regardless of marital status. However, where a participant had been in receipt of an adult dependant allowance from the Department of Social Welfare immediately before participating in the scheme, an additional allowance of £25 per week is payable.