Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 3

Written Answers. - Transfer of Residence.

Batt O'Keeffe

Question:

65 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of pensioners who have transferred homes from the United Kingdom mainland to this country over the last four years; and if he is concerned at the attractiveness of the inducements offered in Ireland as against the social welfare entitlements available to pensioners in the United Kingdom. [10622/95]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

Statistics are not available in my Department as to the number or nationality of pensioners who have transferred their residence from the United Kingdom to Ireland.

According to statistical data provided by the United Kingdom Department of Social Security the number of persons resident in Ireland who were in receipt of their retirement pension or widow's benefit were as follows:— 1991, 66,236; 1992, no statistics available; 1993, 71,841 and 1994, 74,361.

These figures represent not only payments to persons who have only worked in the United Kingdom but also to persons who have worked in Ireland and the United Kingdom. It is estimated that many recipients belong to the latter group, are Irish citizens and may also be in receipt of an Irish pension either under our national legislation or EU social security legislation. The figures also include persons who have acquired an entitlement to a United Kingdom pension based on their spouse's insurance in the United Kingdom.

The legislation of the European Union provides for free movement of persons and equality of treatment between our own nationals and nationals of other EU member states who are workers or former workers and who are resident in this State. Our social welfare legislation is fully in accordance with these principles. This legislation also provides for payment of contributory pensions to persons who are resident in other member states. Some 13,200 people resident in the United Kingdom are in receipt of Irish contributory pensions at an estimated cost of £22.8 million per annum.

The Deputy mentions "inducements" offered in Ireland to United Kingdom pensioners. I assume this refers to additional benefits, such as the free schemes, available in this country. Everyone agrees that the free schemes are very important to the pensioners as they enable them to lead an active retirement and maintain social contact. Over the years the free schemes have been extended to include those in receipt of United Kingdom or Northern Ireland pensions similar to the qualifying Irish payments, those in receipt of pensions from other EU member states or from a country with which we have a bilateral social security agreement.

Those in receipt of United Kingdom payments and also in receipt of free schemes are receiving benefits to which they are legally entitled. I should like to point out to the Deputy that the Department of Social Security estimate that the annual cost of pensions to persons resident in Ireland is in excess of £100 million per annum. The Deputy will appreciate that this inflow is a considerable benefit to the Irish economy.