Transfer of social security contributions to be allowed in separation cases
A new Bill which will allow the transfer of social security contributions between spouses in cases of marriage separation has found broad agreement between both sides of the House.
But the shadow minister for justice, Karol Aquilina, warned on Tuesday that however well-intentioned, this proposed legislation could also create fresh difficulties.
The bill is aimed at solving problems that crop up in separation proceedings, usually between older couples, when only one of the parties - normally the husband - worked and paid social security contributions.
As a result, while the man ends up being eligible for a pension, the wife, who generally stayed at home to take care of the family, ends up without one.
The bill was moved by Social Welfare Minister Michael Falzon and Justice Minister Jonathan Attard.
Aquilina said this legislation applied to cases in which maintenance payments are awarded to one of the spouses who did not work. To date, he observed, maintenance was paid either in monthly installments or as a lump sum.
He said that the transfer of social security contributions should not be possible only by court order, as the bill provided. Instead, estranged spouses should be...