Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Feb 1965

Vol. 214 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pension Qualifying Age.

40.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the fact that the qualifying age for old age pension has not been altered since the introduction of the pension system in 1908, he will now take steps to lower the qualifying age.

The introduction of legislation for the purpose of lowering the qualifying age for old age pensions is not at present contemplated.

Would the Minister not agree that as many of our citizens enjoy pension at the age of 65 and some, in fact, at an earlier age, as would happen in the case of the Minister himself if he lost office, it is quite unfair not to reduce the age limit for those people?

This is argument; it is not a question.

It is a question. Would the Minister not agree that those who have to work in wind and weather and with a smaller income should not have to wait until 70 years of age for a pension? In view of the changing trends since this system was enacted in 1908, surely it is time to reduce that qualifying age for such people and would the Minister contemplate bringing in the necessary legislation which, I am sure, would receive the unanimous approval of the House?

I do not think it would be practicable to do so at the moment.

Why not do something now? It is almost 60 years since this system was enacted by the British. The time is at hand to reduce the age limit and give these old people some chance of a pension at an earlier age.

If I were to do this the Deputy would probably have a different story when the question of providing the money was raised.

Not at all. I think these people are just as entitled to this as others.

It would cost £5¼ million.

Top
Share