asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will indicate the present position concerning the proposed unemployment insurance reciprocal arrangements with Great Britain and if, in the view of its importance to Irish Workers, he will endeavour to have this matter brought to finality with the least possible delay.

I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy (and the House) that on the 24th instant an agreement was made between the British Minister of National Insurance and myself for reciprocal arrangements in respect of unemployment benefit. On the 25th instant I made an Order bringing the agreement into operation as from the 6th April, 1949. This Order is now on the Table of the House.