asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state the number of persons normally entitled to receive pensions under the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Act who have been deprived of such right merely by reason of the fact that the payment of contributions was broken through the husband having to go to work in Great Britain or Northern Ireland because of circumstances arising solely out of the war emergency; and if he will state whether it is proposed now to grant pensions to such persons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Widows' and Orphans' Pensions.
Definite information is not available as regards the first part of the question. It is estimated however that the number would not exceed 100 to date. As regards the second part of the question proposals for legislation to preserve the continuity of the widows' pensions insurance of Irish nationals who, having been insured in this country, take up employment in Great Britain or Northern Ireland are under consideration and the position will be considered as sympathetically as possible.