asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state if widows and dependents of Irish workers employed in Britain are eligible for full benefits under the National Insurance schemes obtaining there in the event of the death due to accident of such workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British National Insurance Schemes— Irish Workers.
The widow and dependents of an Irishman working in Great Britain who live there, are, I understand, eligible for death benefit under the British National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Scheme in the same way as the widow and dependents of a British worker. Such benefit is not, however, ordinarily payable to any person while absent from Great Britain. As I told the Deputy last month, existing reciprocal arrangements do not cover this matter but it is among the subjects listed for discussion at a conference on reciprocal arrangements generally which it is hoped to convene at an early date.
Can the Minister indicate when these conferences will be held?
I am not sure.
Does the Minister appreciate that, unfortunately, in the last 12 months there were about 50 casualties amongst Irish workers in Britain and that a great deal of hardship arises as a result and that, therefore, it would be necessary to hold these talks as soon as possible?
These talks on reciprocal benefits take place occasionally and the Deputy may take it for granted that as far as the Department here are concerned they will do everything they possibly can to facilitate Irish nationals coming back.