asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he proposes to change the qualifying age for old age pensions to 65 years; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions.
41.
The reduction of the qualifying age for old age pensions generally to 65 years is not at present contemplated but legislation to provide for a scheme of retirement pensions at age 65 will be brought before the Dáil in the very near future.
Could the Minister say who will be missed out in his proposals for retirement pensions in certain cases?
The scheme will include all insured workers.
But what will the difference be actually in numbers between this and the general qualifying age? The Minister is aware that this is the position in Northern Ireland and he is aware from statements by the Taoiseach and other Ministers of the desirability of our social legislation being on a par with that available to our own citizens in the north of Ireland? Would he not think it desirable that we should in this matter achieve step by step comparability with Northern Ireland?
We should be slightly better in this regard as compared with the Six Counties than we are now. At present the position is that our contributory old age pensions are payable without a retirement condition which is a better position than that which exists in the socialist state and the British-subsidised State to which the Deputy refers. There will be a retirement condition in connection with this new pension which will be payable at age 65.
We shall have a look at it.