asked the Minister for Social Welfare the date upon which representations were first made to the British Government with a view to having payment made to recipients of British retirement pensions resident here of increases granted subsequent to their commencing to reside here; the date upon which the matter was last discussed between representatives of the respective Governments; and if, having regard to the hardships at present suffered by many such pensioners, he will impress upon the British authorities the urgency of the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Retirement Pensions.
24.
The question of the refusal by the British authorities to pay increases of pensions to persons living in this country was first raised in so far as it related to widows as long ago as 18th November, 1949.
The matter was again taken up in connection with proposed reciprocal arrangements with Great Britain involving pensions, following the introduction of the old age (contributory) pension scheme here in 1961. During discussions on these arrangements, my attitude to the freezing of British pensions has repeatedly been made clear. The matter was again pressed strongly as recently as February last when, however. the British authorities were still not in a position to make any proposals in this respect.
I do not think that further representations by me at this stage would serve any useful purpose but I will, of course, continue to press for the conclusion of a satisfactory agreement on reciprocity in regard to pensions.
Would the Minister tell the House what justification the British have put forward for withholding these increases from their own pensioners resident here?
The justification put forward is that increases in these pensions are related to the increases in the cost of living in Great Britain, not here.
Surely the British authorities do not think we stand still?
I am not putting forward this justification.