asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has considered the position of former gardaí and school teachers who are required to stamp insurance cards if they take up other employment after the retiring age of 60 years but who are not entitled to any benefit on foot of their contributions; and if he will take steps to remove this anomaly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Insurance Contributions.
47.
Former members of the Garda Síochána and school teachers who take up other employment after attaining 60 years can qualify for disability benefit, unemployment benefit, treatment benefits, widows' and orphans' contributory pensions, invalidity pensions, death grants and occupational injuries benefit, under the Social Welfare Acts. They can also qualify for certain benefits under the Health Acts. With regard to retirement and old age (contributory) pensions, persons who enter insurance for the first time after reaching the age of 60 years, and thus could not satisfy the first contribution condition for pension, may obtain a refund of the element of the contribution payable by them in respect of those pensions.
No change in these arrangements is contemplated.