asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state whether discussions have yet commenced between this country and Britain with reference to a reciprocal agreement to rectify the situation at present obtaining whereby dependents of Irish workers, who are not resident in Britain, are ineligible for the benefits that the contributions paid by such Irish workers entitle them to.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Insurance Benefit Reciprocity.
Discussions in relation to reciprocal arrangements with Great Britain took place during the week commencing 18th October, 1954. The extension of the existing arrangements to cover matters not previously included was discussed. Among these matters are increases of benefit for dependents resident in this country of Irish workers in Great Britain where such increases are not payable under the existing arrangements.
The present reciprocal arrangements in relation to sickness benefit, unemployment benefit and widows' pensions provide in a large measure for the dependents of Irish workers resident in this country.
Am I to take it that the relatives of Irish workers in Britain who are living in Ireland are entitled to benefit as a result of this agreement?
No; there has been no agreement yet. I merely mentioned the fact that this aspect of the matter was the subject of discussion in the conference that took place on 18th October last, but there is as yet no agreement.
Is the Minister in a position to give any indication as to whether agreement will be reached on that point or can he announce to the House if a decision has been reached on it? He will appreciate that there is a good deal of hardship at present, due to the fact that Irish workers very often have to return to work before they have recovered so as to enable them to support their dependents.
I appreciate that particular difficulty in respect of the dependents of insured contributors in Britain, but at this stage there has been no finality in the discussions. When an agreement is reached, I will announce it as soon as possible.