asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention was directed to the provisions of Section 63 (which provides for the making of certain reciprocal agreements) of the British National Insurance Bill (9 & 10 Geo. 6); whether he has considered if that section will authorise the making of agreements with this country concerning the payment of sickness, unemployment, retirement and other benefits to persons residing in this country who have contributions to their credit in the British National Insurance Fund, and whether he will avail himself of the enactment of the measure in question to negotiate an agreement designed to remove the hardship inflicted on a number of people who, although having contributions to their credit in British National Insurance Funds, are deprived of benefit from such funds on their return to their homes in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British National Insurance Bill.
I am aware of the provisions of the section of the British National Insurance Bill mentioned in the Deputy's question.
Divergence of legislation in the two countries makes reciprocal arrangements difficult. The enactment of the National Insurance Bill may help in the matter.
I assume that reciprocity regarding health insurance will continue. Proposals made to the British Government for reciprocity in the matter of unemployment insurance are understood to be under consideration. The Deputy may be assured that the Government is prepared to make such arrangements for reciprocity as may prove possible.
Am I to take it that proposals are under consideration by the British Government and that in so far as the Government of this country is concerned there is anxiety and willingness on our part to enter into such reciprocal arrangements and that the difficulty is not on our side at the moment?
That is correct.