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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Jun 1991

Vol. 409 No. 4

Written Answers. - Retirement Pension Qualification.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

37 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the fact that those who retire in their early sixties with occupational pensions through early retirement schemes are paid unemployment benefit for 15 months but then will not qualify because of the means test for unemployment assistance between that and the time of their eligibility for retirement pension on reaching age 65 years, he will provide that all those who have 45 years of paid contributions should be allowed qualify for retirement pension at the time their unemployment benefit expires which would have the effect of releasing jobs for unemployed people as it would make it much more attractive for them to retire; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Deputy's proposal would involve major changes in both the qualifying age (65 years) and the contribution conditions for retirement pension purposes. Such a proposal would have significant cost implications for the social insurance fund out of which payment of retirement pension is made. I have no plans at this stage for changing the qualifying conditions for retirement pension.

The whole area of pensions, including the possibility of providing pensions in the event of early or late retirement, is currently being examined by the National Pensions Board as part of their report on a national pensions system. I expect to receive the board's recommendations shortly.
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