Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Nov 1997

Vol. 483 No. 1

Written Answers. - International Agreements.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

198 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the international agreements under the aegis of his Department which have not currently been signed by the State and which the State should sign or become a party to; the international organisation, if any, responsible for the agreement in each case; the date and place each agreement was adopted or opened for signature; and when it is proposed to sign each agreement or become a party to it. [19880/97]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

Ireland has concluded Bilateral Social Security Agreements with Australia, Austria, Canada, New Zealand, Quebec and the United States. All of these agreements are in operation.

Negotiations have been finalised on a Social Security Agreement with the Swiss Confederation and with the UK to also include Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. Arrangements are being made to have these bilateral agreements signed.

The main purpose of bilateral social security agreements is to protect the pension rights of workers who have had periods of social insurance in both countries. The agreements also allow workers who are sent by their Irish employer to work in the other State, for short periods, to remain in the Irish social insurance system, thereby being exempt from double payment of social security contributions. The information sought in relation to multilateral agreements is being provided by my Government colleagues who have primary responsibility.