Vol. 447 No. 11
222 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Social Welfare when payment of the equality payment will be made to persons (details supplied) in County Louth; the amount of payment due; the way in which it was calculated; and the level of interest due on the payment. [1706/95]
229 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Social Welfare when equality payments will be made to persons (details attached) in County Louth; the amount of payment due; the way in which it was calculated; and the level of interest due on the payment. [1317/95]
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 222 and 229 together.
The Government is committed to payment of the legally determined entitlements of married women to social welfare equality payments. The Programme for a Government of Renewal provides for the establishment of a special unit in my Department to identify women entitled to such payments and to calculate the amount of each payment. It is envisaged that all payments due will be made within a four year period.
The precise details of the package of measures to be introduced cannot be finalised in advance of the decision of the High Court in two test cases heard in June last. I understand that this decision is expected shortly.
