Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Oct 1965

Vol. 218 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reciprocal Pension Arrangements with Britain.

76.

Mr. Corish

asked the Minister for Social Welfare what progress has been made since the end of the Dáil Session with the negotiations with the British Ministry of Pensions regarding reciprocal arrangements for the payment of British pensions increases to residents in Ireland; at what date he foresees an end to these already protracted negotiations; if he will take all possible steps to have this matter settled favourably without further delay; and whether he or any member of the Government discussed this matter with the British Minister of Pensions during her recent visit to this country.

77.

Mr. Treacy

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make a full statement on the present position regarding the protracted negotiations with the British Ministry of Pensions regarding reciprocal arrangements for pension increases to be paid to British pensioners resident in Ireland; and when he expects these negotiations to be completed.

Mr. Boland

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 together.

Considerable progress towards a reciprocal agreement in regard to pensions has been made in correspondence and discussions between officers of my Department and officers of the British Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance. One of the questions outstanding is the refusal of the British Authorities to pay increases in their British pensions to persons living in this country. Proposals are at present awaited from the British side on financial and other outstanding aspects of the proposed agreement. At this stage, I cannot say when it may be possible to conclude an agreement but Deputies may rest assured that there will be no avoidable delay on the part of my Department.

During the recent courtesy visit of the British Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, the question of formal discussions in the matter did not, of course, arise.

Mr. Corish

The last time the Minister replied to a similar question he was not very optimistic that something could be done. Is he more optimistic now?

Mr. Boland

I do not think it is correct to say I was not over-optimistic. I could not give any promise because there are two parties to that question.

Mr. Corish

But the Minister sees a little more light than he did then?

Mr. Boland

I think the British Minister of Pensions and National Insurance is a reasonable person.

Mr. S. Dunne

Such a treasonable remark.

Mr. Treacy

Naturally, being a Labour Minister, she is.

Mr. Corish

There is a hope that something may be done?

Mr. Boland

There is: at all events, progress has been made.

Mr. James Tully

Was there a promise?

Mr. Harte

Would the Minister, when next speaking to his opposite number, take into consideration that people leaving the Republic of Ireland and going to England can draw family allowances immediately they go there whereas people leaving here and going to Northern Ireland qualify only after a two-year period?

An Ceann Comhairle

That is a different question.

Mr. Boland

The question concerns a reciprocal agreement between Great Britain and here.