Vol. 426 No. 5
85 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the provision which has been made for equal treatment payments in the Book of Estimates to allow for the overhang from the relevant litigation process; and the full cost in 1993 to meet this overhang.
A number of court cases have been taken arising from the delay in implementing EC Directive 79/7 on equal treatment for men and women in the social security field. Following on a decision of the European Court of Justice the Government decided to provide for equality of treatment in respect of the period of delay. The necessary measures were provided for in the European Communities (Social Welfare) Regulations, 1992 (S.I. No. 152 of 1992).
Under the provisions of the statutory instrument, the retrospective payments are being made on a phased basis over the period 1992 to 1993. Payment of arrears due under Phase 1, that is the higher personal rates of benefit and extended duration of unemployment benefit, commenced in August 1992. 69,000 claims have already been processed and a further 15,500 claims have yet to be processed under Phase 1.
The 1993 Estimates provide for a carry over of £7 million in respect of entitlements under Phase 1 which have yet to be paid and a further £20 million is being provided to meet the first instalment of Phase 2 entitlements, payable in 1993.
