asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state (a) the present position in regard to the negotiations which have taken place between the Governments of this State and the United Kingdom on the question of reciprocal arrangements for the payment in each country of unemployment insurance benefits accrued from employment in the other; (b) the major difficulties which still remain unsolved; and (c) when it is hoped that the matter will be successfully completed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Unemployment Insurance.
Discussions between officials of my Department and representatives of the British Ministry of National Insurance and the Northern Ireland Ministry of Labour and National Insurance on the subject of reciprocity in social insurance, including unemployment insurance, took place in Dublin towards the end of November last. The matters which were discussed have since been under examination and it is expected that a further conference will be held at an early date. The British National Insurance Act, 1946, which enables reciprocal arrangements to be made, will not come into operation until the 5th July, 1948, and any arrangements for reciprocity which may be made will not operate before that date.