Funferal

Irish gov’t to remove benefits from same-sex couples

Yesterday’s mailbox contained an interesting press release:
The President of the Labour Party, Michael D. Higgins TD has accused the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Coughlan TD of using an underhand device to overturn a landmark decision of the Equality Authority that the partner of a qualified person in a same sex relationship was entitled to a free travel pass, on the same basis as a spouse or partner in a male/female relationship.

“One of the most objectionable features of the Department’s decision is that while the decision of the Equal Authority was given last year, the Minister for Social Welfare, Mary Coughlan, only indicated to the Committee on Social and Family Affairs on Tuesday of this week, after the Committee Stage of the Social Welfare Bill had been concluded, that she intended to introduce an amendment to overturn the decision of the Equality Authority. The Ministerial amendment will apply not just to the free travel scheme, but also to a range of social welfare entitlements, including the National Fuel Scheme and the Back to Education Allowance.
“The text of the Minister’s amendment was only circulated this morning and was forced through the Dail today with minimal debate.”
“I agree with Minister Coughlan that the social welfare rights of partners in same sex relationships is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. This is all the more reason why an important amendment like this should not be rushed though with virtually no notice and no time for the Oireachtas to consider its implications.”
“Today’s decision represents an attack on the rights of a section of our society and reflects great discredit on Minister Coughlan and her colleagues.”