HC Deb 20 January 1989 vol 145 cc329-30W
Mr. Marlow

To ask the Prime Minister if she will list those benefits available to Irish citizens in terms of financial, educational, migrational and other services available through local or central Government agencies which are not available to other European Economic Community nationals; which of these benefits are not reciprocally available to United Kingdom citizens within the Republic of Ireland; and if she will publish an estimate of the numbers and costs of British citizens receiving these benefits in the Republic of Ireland and Irish citizens receiving these benefits in the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 13 January 1989]: I cannot answer for arrangements made by individual local authorities. As far as central Government is concerned, there are no benefits available to Irish citizens which are not available to the citizens of other EC member states.

Irish nationals, but not other EC nationals, are permitted to vote in elections in the United Kingdom. This provision is now reciprocal. There are no available statistics about the numbers involved.

Citizenship is not a condition for the payment of social security benefits. Contributory benefits are awarded on the basis of the claimant's contribution record, and other benefits are available to those who meet the conditions of eligibility provided that they are legally present in the United Kingdom.