asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider permitting those in receipt of retirement pensions to take up part-time employment and to be covered for occupational injuries also.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Pensioners.
21.
One of the conditions for entitlement to retirement pension, claimable at age 65, is that the claimant shall not engage in employment which is insurable under the Social Welfare Acts otherwise than for occupational injuries benefit only. Employments which are classified by regulation as being either subsidiary employments or employment of inconsiderable extent are insurable for occupational injuries benefit only, and do not disqualify the worker for retirement pension. At age 69 a claimant may continue in receipt of retirement pension or may be granted an old age, contributory, pension, and thereafter there is no restriction on the work he may do.
I have had under consideration the question of whether some liberalisation of the definition of "retirement" would be warranted and feasible, but I cannot at this stage indicate the likely outcome.
Is the Minister aware that it is difficult for a man to retire at the age of 65 and that it takes a period of adjustment before accepting retirement? For that reason does the Minister not agree that part-time employment in conjunction with the payment of the retirement pension would help in this respect?
The Minister says he is at present considering the matter and I am sorry that I cannot comment any further.
I am satisfied with the Minister's reply.
Such a person can do a little work.
As I have stated in the reply, there is a certain type of work which such a person can do. As the Deputies are aware, we did not introduce those regulations.
They can act as school wardens.
Not any longer. They are now paid for the job they do.