asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that the reciprocal arrangements for the acceptance here of British employment contributions to count as credits are very unsatisfactory; and if he has any proposals to improve the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acceptance of British Employment Contributions.
45.
The existing reciprocal arrangements on social security between this country and Great Britain are based on an agreement between the two countries which took effect on 2nd May, 1960. The arrangements are accordingly of recent date and are the best that it has proved possible to conclude. They are not, however, regarded by this country as satisfactory in all respects and their shortcomings are kept in mind with a view to negotiating improvements as and when opportunity offers.
It appears to me that these arrangements are quite inadequate. The value of stamps which a contributor may have when he returns from employment in Britain is very limited when it comes to drawing national health or unemployment benefit here. Does the Minister not feel that, even though 1960 is a comparatively recent date, he should raise the matter again with the British authorities to see if he can get a better reciprocal arrangement?
There is full reciprocity in regard to disability and maternity benefits, and in regard to the other benefits, it is only of a limited nature and these were the best terms that could be obtained as recently as 1960. We do not regard them as entirely satisfactory but an agreement involves two parties.
Does it not seem to the Minister that, with such a bad arrangement in regard to unemployment benefit, as he has admitted, he should not hibernate for three years at a time but should go back to the British authorities and see how he can improve it?
As I said, when an opportunity arises this matter will be raised. One cannot keep on discussing something forever. One must come to the best agreement one can get after the matter has been fully argued.
Could the Minister not raise it now after three years?
Is the Minister aware of what appear to be unreasonable delays in the transfer of insurance records to persons who have been living in Great Britain and who come back here either unemployed or unfit to work?
No, I am not aware of unreasonable delays in that regard, but if particular cases are brought to my attention, I shall do what I can to rectify the situation.
I raise it although it is not a general criticism. In the majority of cases, the transfer is carried out pretty quickly. However, the general question of delay should be taken up with the British authorities to ensure that people will not have to wait for the transfer of their British records to this country.