17/02/2024
RTE Radio in the Republic of Ireland reports that the country's Supreme Court has struck a blow for the rights of unmarried partners. IN a unanimous ruling, the seven justices found that the long term partner of a woman who died in 2021 is entitled to the widower's pension despite the fact that the couple were not married and did not have a civil partnership. Mr John O'Meara and his partner Ms Michelle Batley had been together for over twenty years and had several children together. Three years ago, Ms Batley sadly died from complications from a cancer and covid diagnosis. Initially, the government had denied Mr O'Meara a widower's pension. On 22nd January, Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell said the distinction between a married and a non married surviving parent in the legislation was arbitrary and capricious and failed to hold parents equal before the law, contrary to the Constitution. Damien Peelo of Treoir, the national information service for unmarried parents, said it was a hugely important and very significant decision. However, he said the ruling was quite narrow and related to this specific social welfare payment. He said it was not clear if it would affect other bereaved partners who had been long durable relationships if there were no children involved. However, he said marital status did not determine who grieved and Mr O’Meara was getting what he deserved.
