Pat Carey
Ceist:565 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a reciprocal arrangement for social welfare entitlements exists between Ireland and New Zealand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18517/03]
Vol. 570 No. 2
565 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a reciprocal arrangement for social welfare entitlements exists between Ireland and New Zealand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18517/03]
There is a reciprocal social security agreement between Ireland and New Zealand, which has been in force since 1 March 1994.
The main purpose of the agreement is to protect the pension rights of people who have worked in Ireland and who have also worked or resided in New Zealand. The agreement also deals with the social security status of workers who are sent on temporary assignments from Ireland to New Zealand and vice versa.