Vol. 221 No. 4
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position relating to the negotiations with the British Government on the proposal that British pensioners residing in this State be paid all increases granted to such pensioners in Britain; when he expects the negotiations to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
55.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the arrangements between his Department and the British Government concerning the recognition of social welfare contributions paid by both Governments; and if he has negotiated for a further extension of reciprocal arrangements.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 55 together.
A reciprocal agreement covering benefits for sickness, maternity and unemployment was made with Great Britain on 29th March, 1960, and came into operation on 2nd May, 1960. That agreement replaced and extended a previous agreement made in January, 1953.
A new reciprocal agreement with the United Kingdom was signed yesterday and will come into operation on 4th April, 1966.
This agreement provides for reciprocity in relation to old age, retirement and widows' pensions. Amongst other things the agreement provides that persons living in Ireland, who are in receipt of retirement or windows' pensions under the United Kingdom schemes, will be paid these pensions at the rates which would be payable to them if they resided in the United Kingdom.
Are we to understand that every person who at the moment is getting less than what his counterpart in Britain is getting will, as from 4th April, be brought up to the level which would operate if he were over there?
Yes.
Irrespective of the length of time during which he has had a reduction in his pension?
That is right.
It will not have retrospective effect?
No.
