John Bruton
Question:144 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Social Welfare the international organisations of which Ireland is a member for which he has responsibility.
Written Answers. - Relations with International Organisations.
Ireland is a founder member of the International Social Security Association whose aim is to protect, promote and develop social security throughout the world. The association has consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
I am also responsible for the social welfare issues arising from Ireland's membership of the European Community and other organisations such as the Council of Europe, International Labour Organisation, United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
The international co-ordination of social security schemes for people moving from one country to another is an important aspect of the latter activities. I have extended the scope of this co-ordination for Irish workers by concluding bilateral agreements with Austria, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America and Quebec. Negotiations are underway for a bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom in relation to the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands and with Switzerland. I also expect negotiations will commence with Malta in 1994 with a view to having a bilateral social security agreement with them.
I and my Department also play an active part at meetings of other international organisations concerned with social and family policy such as the Confederation of Family Organisations in the European Community.
John Bruton
Question:145 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice the international organisations of which Ireland is a member for which she has responsibility.
I am taking it that the Deputy's question is not intended to embrace the various responsibilities exercised by my Department through the international structures which have been brought into being to carry forward EC business and intergovernmental co-operation generally, in the areas of police co-operation, Judicial co-operation, immigration and so on. Responsibilities and commitments on these fronts are extensive and growing.
Apart from this, the only international organisation of which Ireland is a member which comes within my general area of responsibility is Interpol, the international police co-operation body. The Garda Síochána represent Ireland in Interpol.