asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the situation whereby former employees of health boards do not qualify for free electricity or other such benefits on retirement, and if he will make an order including them with other recipients of social welfare retirement pensions in view of the fact that they have made equal contributions.
Written Answers. - Retired Health Board Employees Benefits.
414.
I am aware of the position and it is not quite as indicated by the Deputy.
Those retired health board employees who satisfy the conditions for a social welfare retirement pension already qualify for free electricity and other allowances provided they satisfy the remaining qualifying conditions. They would be employees who pay full social welfare contributions which give cover for all benefits and pensions.
Those retired health board employees who have paid only modified rates of social welfare contributions, which give cover for a limited range of benefits only, do not qualify for social welfare retirement pension, title to which would in turn give them title to free electricity and other allowances.