One of the commitments on Development Co-operation contained in the Programme for a Partnership Government is that the social welfare rights and educational entitlements of volunteers would be safeguarded. I regard it as important that development workers should not be penalised because they choose to work for a period in a developing country. My colleague, Minister of State Joan Burton has been active on this issue and I am pleased at the introduction of the Social Welfare No. 2 Bill 1993 which puts in place arrangements extending full social welfare cover to returned volunteers.
In this context the superannuation entitlements of APSO volunteers are a most important consideration. This matter is the subject of ongoing discussions between my Department and APSO and with other Government Departments. I am hopeful that progress will be made on this matter in the coming months.