Vol. 220 No. 1
andMr. Corish asked the Minister for Social Welfare what progress has been made since his last reply on the matter in the negotiations between his Department and the British Ministry of Pensions regarding reciprocal arrangements for the payment of British pension increases to pensioners resident in Ireland; and when he expects these negotiations to reach a conclusion.
70.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare what progress has been made in the efforts of his Department's officials to arrive at a reciprocal agreement with Great Britain in regard to British pensioners residing in Ireland; and if he can now indicate when agreement is likely to be finalised.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 70 together.
Since my reply of 25th November, 1965, to a question by a Deputy on this matter, negotiations have virtually concluded and it is hoped that a reciprocal agreement in relation to old age and widows' (contributory) pensions will be ready for signature very shortly.
The question of unfreezing the rates of British retirement and widows' pensions in payment in this country is being considered by the British authorities, and, of course, being pressed for by my Department, but I regret that I am not yet in a position to indicate what the outcome in this respect may be.
Can the Minister tell us, in the event of a happy conclusion to these negotiations being reached, if an old age pensioner from Ireland who goes to live with relatives in Great Britain or in the Six Counties will be entitled to enjoy his or her pension, where it is a non-contributory pension, from the Irish Government or will he or she become entitled to a corresponding pension by the Government of Northern Ireland or the Government of Great Britain?
That is an entirely separate matter.
This refers to contributory pensions.
Not non-contributory?
No.
