asked the Minister for Social Welfare if further to a reply of 16th June, 1964, any progress has been made in the discussions with regard to reciprocal arrangements regarding pensions with the British Ministry of Pensions; and what has been the result to date of these discussions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reciprocal Pensions Arrangements.
9.
Further discussions took place late in February last between officers of my Department, officers of the British Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance and officers of the Ministry of Health and Social Services of Northern Ireland on the possibility of reciprocal arrangements in regard to pensions. Plans to act as a basis for arrangements were conditionally drawn up during these discussions and are since being studied on both sides. Further proposals are awaited from the British side in regard to the financial and other aspects of the matter.
Will the Minister say whether consideration was given in these discussions to the matter of increasing pensions paid in this country, pensions that have been increased in Britain but not increased here?
The Deputy may take it that was one of the main considerations on our side.
Can the Minister give any hope of an early conclusion in this matter?
I certainly hope there will be. It is one of the things we consider of most importance.
Could the Minister say if he hopes this will happen?
I hope it will happen.
Is the Minister aware that old age pensions payable in the Six Counties become payable in this part of the country if the recipients change their residence down here but that recipients of old age pensions in the Twenty-six Counties find that their pensions cease after three months if they change their residence to Northern Ireland? If this is so, will the Minister take steps to ensure that pensioners in the Twenty-six Counties who take up residence in the North will have their old age pensions paid there?
What Deputy O'Donnell says applies only to noncontributory pensions. Contributory pensions are payable in any country in which the recipient resides.
Will the Minister look into the matter?
The Deputy will understand that there is difficulty in ensuring that a person is still entitled to a noncontributory pension when he resides outside the country.
Surely it would be a simple matter to arrange a method of checking this matter between the two Departments?
Will the Minister say when he expects a conclusion of these negotiations?
It is hard to say. The matter is under active consideration at the moment.
The plans to provide a basis of agreement have been drawn up and are being studied by both sides. I consider it a matter of urgency and we are doing everything in our power to have the matter brought to a conclusion.
Are these negotiations conducted all the time on Ministerial level?
No, they are being conducted on official level at the moment.
Does that necessitate a visit of British officials here or of Irish officials to London?
Yes, there have been visits of both.