Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The question of entitlement to UK pensions is a matter for the UK authorities and it would not be appropriate for the Irish authorities to advise individuals on such issues.

My Department does, however, support, under the Emigrant Support Programme, Irish community organisations in the UK who provide assistance and advice to Irish people on issues such as this.

My Department also funds a number of organisations here in Ireland, such as Crosscare, Safe Home, and the Citizens Information Bureau, that provide assistance and information to returning Irish immigrants, including on issues such as pension entitlements.

I understand that Safe Home runs information sessions for immigrants returning to Ireland in collaboration with many of the aforementioned Irish community organisations in Britain. Just last week, they organised an information session at the London Irish Centre on this issue.

The Citizens Information Bureau website www.citizensinformation.ie also has some useful information on recent developments in this area.

More generally, the Government remains committed to addressing the obstacles faced by returning immigrants, in line with its Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025. The Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora chairs the Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad, a cross-governmental coordination and information-sharing body that includes within its scope the consideration of obstacles to return for Irish diaspora.