Bernard Allen
Question:168 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social Welfare if there will be a bi-lateral agreement between Ireland and New Zealand in relation to pension entitlements for long term residents of New Zealand who return to Ireland.
Written Answers. - Ireland/New Zealand Bilateral Agreement.
Negotiations on a bilateral social security agreement between Ireland and New Zealand commenced in 1990. The main purpose of the proposed agreement is to protect the pension entitlements of Irish and New Zealand workers who move between Ireland and New Zealand. The agreement will allow for periods of social insurance or residence in one country to be counted towards certain pensions in the other. A draft agreement is nearing completion and I hope to be in a position shortly to submit proposals to Governments in this regard.
Similar social security agreements are already in place with Austria, Canada and Australia and an agreement with the United States of America will come into force later this year.