Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

Question 3: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if habitual residence dose not apply to returning Irish emigrants, as is outlined by the EU guidelines (details supplied), when seeking social welfare, the reason local welfare offices continue to demand that returning Irish emigrants prove their habitual residence; the number of Irish nationals who were or are aware of these guidelines and have been denied benefits because they have been outside the country for a few years, almost forcing persons to seek work in another country again; and the measures she will take to ensure that welfare officers are fully informed on the application of habitual residence criteria to Irish citizens returning from abroad. [36442/11]

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