asked the Minister for Social Welfare why an emigrant returned from England can only be paid unemployment benefit in respect of 26 days unemployment on the basis of his UK insurance record; and if he will consider amending the reciprocal agreement with the UK to allow for payment over a longer period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit.
37.
The reciprocal arrangements on unemployment benefit between this country and Great Britain so restrict the transfer of insurance contributions as to limit any resulting entitlement to 26 days duration. These arrangements are based on the existing agreement between the two Governments and were the best it proved possible to conclude. My Department, however, has recently been engaged in fresh discussions with the British authorities on this and other matters of reciprocity. While the outcome of the new negotiations must, of course, depend on mutual agreement, it is hoped that they will result in more favourable arrangements for unemployment benefit.
Could the Minister state what difficulties arose in the past in getting a more favourable agreement for an extended period of cover? Would he state why it is necessary for a man to be unemployed for 14 days before he can get any unemployment benefit on his British contributions?
It was one of the requirements written into the scheme originally. The British were sceptical about granting any measure of reciprocity in those days on the grounds made by them that there was employment available for the people concerned if they wished to take it. As we have negotiated a new arrangement, which we hope will be signed in the middle of July, I do not want to say anything further about it.
How is this reciprocal agreement financed? Do we pay for the contributions which are paid to people in this country?
It is reciprocal.
How is it financed?
It is a balancing off between the two.