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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Dec 1989

Vol. 394 No. 4

Written Answers. - Farm Pensions.

29.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many farmers on the various farm retirement pensions, formerly operated by the Government are not eligible when they reach the age of 66 for the various old age pension free schemes and that because of this they are worse off by having opted for the retirement pension; and if, in view of this, he will consider changing the regulations to enable them to benefit from these schemes.

Entitlement to the free schemes from my Department is available to the elderly or permanently incapacitated who are receiving certain social security-type payments and who are either living alone or only with excepted persons.

The current rate of the annuities payable under the former farmer's retirement scheme is not such as to preclude entitlement to old age (non-contributory) pension where the recipient has reached pensionable age and the annuity is the sole source of income to the household. For example, a single farmer entitled to an annuity of £2,020 could still qualify for an old age (non-contributory) pension of £16.00 per week at current rates. A married farmer whose spouse is also over age 66 and whose current annuity is £3,037 could qualify for an old age (non-contributory) pension of £26.00 each per week at current rates.

Once in receipt of the old age (non-contributory) pension, there is follow-on entitlement to the free schemes such as free electricity allowance, free television licence, free telephone rental allowance, free bottled gas and the national fuel scheme. Free travel is available to all residents over 66 years of age irrespective of pension entitlement.

Any changes to the schemes on the lines suggested would have to be considered in the context of the budget.

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