Vol. 417 No. 3
9 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has yet received the report of the study group appointed to examine possible revision of qualification requirements in respect of old age contributory pensions with particular reference to the question of awarding a reduced pension to those who do not presently qualify on contribution grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the final report of the National Pensions Board. I understand that the board intend to submit their recommendations for a new national pensions system shortly. The question of the conditions for entitlements to pension is among the issues being addressed by the board and the matter will be considered further in the light of the report.
This question was touched on earlier. The final report of the National Pensions Board is of paramount importance to many people all over the country. Would the Minister make a copy of the report available as quickly as possible because I understand this report will map out pensions for future generations? I would be very grateful to the Minister if he would make a copy available to us as soon as possible.
As I said earlier, we hope to get this report shortly and I will ensure that a copy is placed in the Library. I do not know anything about the administrative procedures for distributing these reports but I will ensure that it is distributed to all Members of the House, not alone to Deputy Connaughton, because it will be a very important report.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): I find it very difficult at times to understand ministerial language, especially “shortly” or “in the near future”. What does the Minister mean by “shortly”?
Approximately four weeks. The best evidence available to us is that the report will be available shortly and when I checked this out I was told it meant a couple of weeks. I agree with the Deputy that "shortly" in Civil Service language does not mean the same as "shortly" when a Kildare or Carlow person uses that word.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): I want to thank the Minister for tying down “shortly” to a definite time. If the report comes out in favour of pro rata pension payments, will it be backdated to apply to those who were already deemed ineligible?
We are anticipating the issue.
The National Pensions Board have submitted four reports to date, three of which have been dealt with by regulation of occupational pensions and the fourth dealt with the extension of social insurance cover to the self-employed. We will study the report when it becomes available and then it will be necessary for the Government to consider it. I do not think Deputy Browne should make that assumption at this stage. We should all await the publication of the report.
