Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 146: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the outcome of the review by her Department in relation to the equal treatment of men and women in the social welfare code; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39509/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The purpose of the review of the social welfare code, which is currently being undertaken in the Department, is to examine its compatibility with the Equal Status Act, 2000 (as amended). The review is examining all the schemes and services provided for both in social welfare legislation and the administrative schemes operated by the Department. It will identify any instances of direct or indirect discrimination, on any of the nine grounds (including gender) under the Act that are not justified by a legitimate social policy objective or where the means of achieving that objective are either unnecessary or inappropriate.

The review is being undertaken in two phases. Phase 1 involved undertaking a scoping exercise to establish the most appropriate approach and methodology to carrying out the main review, which would be robust and verifiable. The results of Phase 1 then formed the basis of the terms of reference of the main review. Consultants were selected to carry out the main review and work commenced in October 2007. The work is expected to be completed by early 2009.