asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the Government will now take steps, if necessary by the introduction of legislation, to enable them to sign and initiate the ratification procedure for the European Code of Social Security and Protocol thereto concluded in the framework of the Council of Europe.
Written Answers. - European Code of Social Security.
131.
The signature and ratification of these instruments has required further consideration in the light of the recent Budget increases in social welfare benefits and of the projected improvement in social welfare schemes outlined in the Third Programme of Economic and Social Development. It is expected that a final decision in this matter will not now be long delayed.