asked the Minister for Social Welfare the progress which has been made on the national pension plan, particularly in regard to the contribution conditions for receipt of contributory old age pension, in view of the anomalous way in which it operates in certain cases, in particular, the average contribution record from the date of entry into insurable employment up to the date of retirement which favours people who entered into insurable employment later in life, compared to those who were in insurable employment for a long period but did not maintain their contributions when their means exceeded a certain figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - National Pension Plan.
428.
It was announced in the National Plan Building on Reality 1985-1987 that the Government, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, intend to publish a framework for a national pension plan. I hope to be in a position to put proposals to the Government in that regard later in the year.
The qualifying conditions for contributory pension under the social insurance code are being examined in this context. I would point out to the Deputy that a detailed analysis of the issue raised by him, which has been undertaken by my Department, has shown that to make the changes implied in his question would create new anomalies. I should also mention that the cumulative cost of taking such action would be in the region of £35 million in 1985 prices.