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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Dec 1993

Vol. 437 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Mary Wallace

Question:

48 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give consideration to the granting of a full adult dependant allowance for the wives of mixed insurance pensioners as is paid to all other pensioners including the intermittent insurance pensioners.

Mary Wallace

Question:

49 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will change the calculation method for mixed insurance pensioners from the existing method of pro rata calculation to the method used for intermittent insurance pensioners, that is, the average system.

It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 48 and 49 together.

Regulations were introduced in November 1991 enabling people who, as a result of having been insured for periods in public service type employment at the modified rate of social insurance contribution, have gaps in their record of insurance for Old Age (Contributory) Pension and Retirement Pension purposes. These new arrangements provide that in cases of a "mixed" insurance record apro rata pension is payable, which is proportionate to the periods of insurance completed at the full rate. Any increases of pension payable in respect of an adult dependent are calculated on a similar basis.
The new arrangements are similar to those which apply under EC Regulations to people who have mixed insurance in a number of different EC member states A similar formula applies under various reciprocal agreements on social security to which Ireland is a party. Accordingly this formula is regarded as the internationally recognised standard for the award of pensions in cases of mixed insurance.
People qualifying for the newpro rata pensions also become eligible for additional benefits such as free electricity, free television licence, free telephone rental which would otherwise not be available to them.
The question of contribution conditions for pensions and the arrangements forpro rata pensions generally including intermittent pensions are among the issues which will be addressed in the forthcoming final report of the National Pensions Board. Any changes in the present qualification conditions for pensions, including mixed insurance pensions, will be considered in the light of the recommendations contained in that report.
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