Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 January 2019
286. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of meetings she has attended since the beginning of September 2018 with her officials to discuss and prepare for Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3596/19]
View answerMy key area of interest is the impact of Brexit on the current reciprocal arrangements for social insurance schemes, social assistance schemes and child benefit between Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland. Last April I met with the then UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the Right Honourable Esther McVey. We agreed on our objective in ensuring that the reciprocity of social welfare rights and entitlements, which currently exist for Irish and UK citizens moving within Ireland and between Ireland and Britain under the Common Travel Area, are safeguarded and maintained.
In addition to specific meetings on the topic, Brexit, including its implications and my Department's contingency and preparedness plans are the subject of regular contacts with my officials. I have weekly meetings with the Secretary General of my Department, at which Brexit has been discussed. Brexit is also a standing item on the agenda for the Department's Management Board meetings and also features on a regular basis at Ministerial-Management Board meetings.
