Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 5

Written Answers. - EC Directives, Regulations and Recommendations.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

91 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will supply Deputy Sargent with a list of EC Directives, relevant to his Department which are overdue for transposition into Irish law; and the expected date of their transposition.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

92 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will supply Deputy Sargent with a list of EC recommendations and regulations relevant to his Department issued during 1991; and the action, if any, taken on them.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

93 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will supply Deputy Sargent with a list of EC Directives, relevant to his Department, which have been signed by the Council but not yet due for transposition into Irish law; and when they are expected to be transposed.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 91, 92 and 93 together.

Directive 86/613/EEC on equal treatment between men and women engaged in self-employment contains a provision concerning access to social insurance for spouses of self-employed workers which may require amendment of the Social Welfare Acts.

The question of social insurance coverage for spouses of employees and the self-employed is being looked at by the Pensions Board in the context of its report on a new pensions system and I expect that this issue will be addressed in that report. The report is expected shortly and the question of legislation in this area will be considered in the light of the report.

There is no other EC Directive relevant to my Department which is overdue for transposition into Irish law.

With regard to EC recommendations and regulations adopted during 1991 Regulation (EEC) No. 2195/91 on 25 June 1991 is relevant. This Regulation concerns the application of social security schemes to employed persons, self-employed persons and members of their family moving within the European Community and the procedure for implementing such provisions. The provisions of the Regulations have direct application and are, where appropriate, being applied by my Department.

There were no other EC Regulations or recommendations relevant to my Department adopted during 1991.

Finally, with regard to EC Directives which have been signed by the Council but not yet due for transposition into Irish law, EC Directive 92/85/EEC, which was adopted by Council on 19 October 1992, is relevant. This Directive concerns the introduction of measures to encourage improvement in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers. Member states are required to implement the provisions of the Directive not later than two year after the date of its adoption.

My Department is examining the implications of the Directive and the necessary legislation will be implemented within the timescale specified in the Directive.