Written answers

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Department of Social and Family Affairs

International Agreements

7:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 54: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has made overtures to countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement with a view to speeding up the process of applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23454/09]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department currently has bilateral social security agreements with 9 countries:- Australia, Austria, Canada, The United Kingdom, New Zealand, The United States of America, Switzerland, Quebec and Korea. Liaison procedures to ensure the secure transfer of personal data have been established with each country, and are kept under constant review. Regular contact is maintained by the Department with each agency to ensure the timely and accurate provision of the required information. The processing time for claims that fall to be examined under bilateral agreements can be longer than that for standard Irish entitlements, reflecting the added complexity that arises in determining entitlements under these agreements, and the necessity to obtain the relevant insurance details from overseas social security institutions.

Delays in processing applications can occur where a person has had a varied employment history in a number of countries over their working life, and this can lead to some difficulties in completing their full insurance record. Where particular delays occur in the exchange of information, every effort is made to minimise such delays, having regard to the need to ensure that people receive their full and correct entitlements. It is important to note that there is no financial loss to the pensioner as payments are made from the due entitlement date. Overall, I am satisfied that the current arrangements and procedures are working effectively and efficiently.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.