asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will take steps to improve the existing social insurance reciprocal arrangements between this country and Britain with a view to lengthening the period for which unemployment benefit may be drawn in this country on the basis of British insurance contributions.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Social Insurance Reciprocal Arrangements.
43.
The existing agreement on social security between this country and Great Britain came into effect on 2nd May, 1960.
As regards the duration of unemployment benefit payable in either country by virtue of contributions paid in the other, the provisions of the existing agreement are the same as those which obtained up to that date. In the course of the negotiations with the British authorities, extending over a number of years, in connection with the existing and preceding agreements, this country has always pressed for more favourable treatment for insured persons in relation to unemployment benefit, but the British authorities are not prepared to agree. I have no reason to think that their views in this respect have changed during the short period which has elapsed since the present arrangements came into operation.
In these circumstances, and as any improvements in reciprocal arrangements entail mutual agreement between the parties concerned, I am satisfied that no useful purpose would be served by taking at this stage the steps requested by the Deputy. I may say, however, that the arrangements in relation to unemployment benefit have never been regarded by this country as satisfactory and that the matter is being kept in mind in connection with any general review of the existing agreement which may be made.