Michael Moynihan
Question:19 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total number of persons who have applied for and been accepted for the retirement allowance, aged 55 and over; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefit.
The reduction in the qualifying age for the pre-retirement allowance to 55 years was announced in this year's budget and represents a significant improvement in the social welfare provisions available to persons in this age group.
Regulations to implement this reduction are currently in the course of preparation and will be effective from later this month.
In anticipation of the making of these regulations, existing long term unemployed aged 55 years and over who are currently paid by means of a similar book type payments were invited to apply for the pre-retirement allowance. As a result, arrangements have been made to transfer 2,500 clients to the pre-retirement allowance with effect from 28 May 1992. A further 1,000 applications are currently being processed.
Information fact sheets and application forms for pre-retirement allowance are being made available in local offices and any client, aged 55 years and over, who may want to avail of this option should enquire locally. A publicity campaign will be initiated during the month to bring the allowance to the attention of all long term unemployed who are eligible for the allowance.