Vol. 361 No. 1
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will indicate (a) the progress which has been made by the Commission on Social Welfare on the reform of the present system; (b) when he will implement its findings; and (c) the proposals he has for the introduction of a salary-related pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
274.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if there is any consideration being given to the introduction of an early retirement option scheme on a voluntary basis to enable people to retire before 65 years when they are entitled to a retirement pension.
It is proposed to reply to Questions Nos. 273 and 274 together. The Commission on Social Welfare expects to have its very detailed and comprehensive examination of the social welfare system completed by March 1986. Its findings will be fully taken into account by the Government in planning the future development of the social welfare services.
The Government intends to publish its proposals for national pensions development in the form of a White Paper. The question of the relationship between pensions and earnings will be fully discussed in this paper, together with the social and financial implications of that approach. The issue of flexible retirement age is also being examined in detail in the context of the national pension plan.
