asked the Minister for Social Welfare the progress which has been made to rectify the injustice done to those old age pensioners who had insufficient service to qualify for a full occupational pension or those who qualified for occupational pensions, the rate of which was lower than the old age contributory pension.
Written Answers. - Eligibility for Occupational Pensions.
59.
I presume that the Deputy is referring to certain persons who move to employment in the public sector which is not insurable at the full rate and, as a result, do not qualify for a contributory pension under the social insurance system. At the same time they may have insufficient service in that employment to qualify for a full occupational pension.
The Commission on Social Welfare examined this matter and recommended that special arrangements be made for people in this situation. I am reviewing this recommendation in the context of my ongoing examination and formulation of social welfare policy.
There are a number of particular situations where people have insufficient contributions to qualify for old age contributory pension arising from the fact that certain employments were not covered by full compulsory social insurance. The provision of special arrangements for people in these situations would, however, have significant financial implications and will depend on the availability of the necessary financial resources.