asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the proposed national pension scheme to cover all citizens in the country will be brought forward and if he will make a statement on the matter.
250.
Written Answers. - National Pension Plan.
249.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is proposed to introduce legislation establishing a general pension scheme for industrial workers, and building trade workers who have had 35 years service on similiar lines to the existing pension scheme for the public service; if he is aware that it was stated in Carlow in June 1984 by a member of the Government, that such a scheme was in the pipeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 249 and 250 together.
It was announced in the National Plan Building on Reality 1985-1987 that the Government, in line with the commitment given in the Programme for Government, intend to publish a framework for a national pension plan. As stated in the Plan the proposals will take account of views contained in the Green Papers entitled A National Income-related Pension Scheme and Social Insurance for the Self-employed which have already been published.
The question of extending social insurance coverage for pensions to the self-employed will be covered, as well as the standard of income which might be considered reasonable and acceptable for pensioners and the extent to which the community is prepared to commit resources to meet the additional costs that will be involved.
As soon as the details of the framework have been approved by the Government, it will be published without delay.