Colm M. Hilliard
Ceist:222 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether employment records in a country not covered by European regulations can be added to an individual's Irish employment record. [5509/96]
Written Answers. - Employment Records.
Ireland has concluded bilateral social security agreements with Australia, Austria, Canada, New Zealand, United States and Quebec, and is currently negotiating social security agreements with Switzerland and the United Kingdom (in respect of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man). The proposed agreement with the United Kingdom covers non-EU nationals.
The primary purpose of bilateral social security agreements is to protect the social security (pension) rights of persons who work or have worked in both Ireland and the relevant country with whom the agreement is in force and who are, or have been subject to the social security legislation of both countries.
It does this by allowing social insurance contributions paid in one country to be counted towards qualifying for certain payments in the other country. The payments covered in this country are old age and retirement pensions, survivors and orphan's pension, invalidity pension and death grant.
Under the terms of the agreements it is possible to qualify for: an Irish payment based solely on Irish social insurance (PRSI) contributions or, an Irish payment based on a combination of Irish contributions and contributions paid in the other state. If the other state does not have a social insurance system, residence there would count instead. The person concerned might also qualify on the same basis for a payment from the other state and which could be payable in addition to the Irish payment.
Those in receipt of social security pensions from countries with which Ireland has bilateral social security agreements and who are living in Ireland, may qualify for the free schemes available under the Irish social security system subject to the normal qualifying conditions.