Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Nov 1991

Vol. 413 No. 3

Written Answers. - Pension Entitlements.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

43 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has given consideration to the plight of many married women who were forced to leave their jobs prior to 1973 because of the marriage ban, many of whom subsequently re-entered the workforce but who now find on retirement that they are ineligible for contributory retirement pensions because of the break in their contribution record during that period.

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. Daly)

The vast majority of women who ceased employment prior to 1973 because of the marriage ban would have been employed in public service type employment and accordingly would have paid PRSI contributions at the modified rate of insurance. This rate of contribution provides entitlement to widows and orphans pensions but not to contributory retirement or old age pensions.

If at a subsequent date they re-entered the workforce at the full rate of social insurance contribution, that date would in the normal course be their date of entry for pension purposes and they would not be affected by the break in their insurance record.

Provision was made in the Social Welfare Act, 1991, to providepro-rata pensions to persons with a mixture of full and modified contributions. The necessary regulations to give effect to this provision are being finalised at present. Women who were affected by the marriage ban and who subsequently re-entered the workforce could qualify under these arrangements for a pro rata pension if they do not qualify for a retirement or old age contributiory pension under normal criteria.

The whole area of conditions for entitlement to pensions, including the question of pension coverage for people who leave the workforce for periods and return, is being examined at present by the National Pensions Board. I expect to receive the board's final report shortly. Any changes in the contribution conditions for pensions will be considered in the light of the board's recommendations in this area.