Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2004
200 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of countries with which Ireland currently has bilateral social welfare agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28457/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has concluded bilateral social security agreements with seven countries, namely, Austria, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the USA and Switzerland. Ireland also entered into a bilateral understanding with Quebec on 1 October 1994. All of these agreements are currently in operation. A further agreement has been negotiated with the Republic of Korea and full ratification of this agreement is expected shortly.
The main purpose of these agreements is to protect the social security pension rights of workers who have worked both in Ireland and the other country to which the agreements apply. The bilateral agreements mainly provide for the adding together of periods of insurance and, where appropriate, periods treated as equivalent to periods of insurance completed in Ireland and the other country involved, for the purposes of calculating and awarding pensions. These pensions can also be paid to those residing in the territory of the other country.
