asked the Minister for Social Welfare if consideration is being given to reducing the qualifying age for old age pensions to 65 years.
31.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - OAP Qualifying Age.
30.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that Norway, the last remaining country in Western Europe apart from Ireland with a qualifying age of 70 years for old age pension entitlement, has reduced the age limit since 1st January; and, if so, if he will state what action, if any, he is taking to reduce the qualifying age to 65 years.
With your permission, a Cheann Chomhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together. Reduction of the qualifying age for old age pensions generally to 65 years is not at present contemplated but, the Deputy will be aware, a scheme of retirement pensions payable at 65 years of age is in operation.
No answer was given to Question No. 31 which is a question relating to qualifying age in Norway.
Questions Nos. 30 and 31 were taken together.
I know, but no answer was given to Question No. 31.
Is the Minister aware of the position in Norway?
Is the Deputy aware of it?
I am, yes. Deputy O'Donovan asked the question. It is for the Minister to answer it.
I do not know what the situation is in Norway and that is why I want to know and that is why I want the Minister to answer.
Is the Minister refusing to answer?
We are not quite clear as to what the present position in Norway is and neither is the Deputy. If the age has been reduced, I am not officially aware of that in spite of inquiries made.
Would the Minister not think it advisable to check on it?
I have done so.
If I put down a question about this next week, or the week after, will the Minister hope to be in a position to answer it or will I be told by the Ceann Comhairle that the question already appeared on the Order Paper and I am not entitled to put it down again? Which way is it going to work?
It is a matter for the Ceann Comhairle.
I am putting it on the record now.
I have no official information despite the usual inquiries.
I will ask the question again in a fortnight's time.
Surely it is possible to find out what the situation is in Norway. It may be that the situation is not yet finalised. Surely we can find that out.
It has not yet been finally decided.
What is the proposal? Who has got to decide it?
That is none of my business.