asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that widows resident in this country, whose husbands died in Great Britain since 1948 and who are in receipt of contributory pensions from the British Government, receive no allowances in respect of their children; and, if so, whether he will indicate when this anomalous situation first arose, and whether he will take steps, in consultation with the British Government, to remedy it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Widows' and Orphans' Pensions.
The Deputy will no doubt appreciate that this is not a matter in which I have any functions, these pensions being paid direct to the beneficiaries by the British authorities without reference to my Department.
I understand, however, that under the British scheme which came into operation in July, 1948, dependents' allowances are restricted generally to the only or eldest child of a widow. The expression "child" is defined as a person who would be treated as a child under the British Family Allowances Act and it is a condition for payment under that Act that the child be residing in Great Britain.
My Department has been in correspondence with the British Ministry of National Insurance with a view to clarifying the position of widows living in this country who may be eligible for contributory widows' pensions from Britain.
Can the Minister say if that arrangement is as a result of the reciprocal agreement made with the British?
There is no reciprocity whatever between this country and Britain in respect of widows' pensions.