91998E3409

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3409/98

by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission

(17 November 1998)

Subject: Serious difficulties of the Crisafulli family

The family of Anselmo Crisafulli, a well-known criminal lawyer, were evicted from their home and obliged to move to France, where they used all the family assets to purchase a farm which turned out to be a complete swindle, as a result of which legal proceedings are under way in France.

As a result of this swindle the Crisafulli, by now penniless, were obliged to return to Italy, which they did due to the intervention of the Italian President's office, which met the costs of their return and found them a flat, from which, however, they were subsequently evicted yet again due to the above-mentioned economic circumstances.

This series of disasters has obviously caused various psychological and family problems, partly due to the fact that the two sons in their forties are unemployed.

In view of the foregoing, would the Commission state:

1. Whether there are possibilities at Community level of providing practical assistance to the family of a leading member of the Italian legal profession?

2. Whether are any employment opportunities are open to the Crisafulli brothers in view of the special circumstances in this case?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(13 January 1999)

In the area of social security the only existing binding Community legislation concerns the equal treatment of men and women(1) and the co-ordination of social security schemes for migrant workers and members of their families(2). The organisation and functioning of social security schemes and social assistance as well as eligibility for different benefits under those schemes (such as unemployment benefits) are matters for the national authorities, provided that the above mentioned legislation is respected.

The Commission is not in a position to comment on what employment opportunities may be available for individuals.

(1) Article 119 of the EC Treaty, Directive 79/7/EEC (OJ L 6, 10.1.1979) and Directive 86/378/EEC (OJ L 225, 12.8.1986) which was amended by Directive 96/97/EC (OJ L 46, 17.2.1997).

(2) Regulation (EEC) 1408/71, updated by Regulation (EC) 118/97 (OJ L 28, 30.1.1997).