Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Jan 1995

Vol. 448 No. 2

Written Answers. - National Pensions Board Report.

Séamus Hughes

Question:

109 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his Department has considered the implications of the National Pensions Board report of December 1994, on developing the State pensions scheme in view of demographic changes; and the action, if any, he proposes to take in the short and long term to address emerging trends. [1753/95]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

The final report of the National Pensions Board —"Developing the National Pension System" is a complex and comprehensive document containing 86 conclusions and recommendations. The report is a wide ranging one and includes, inter alia, consideration of the demographic factors including population projections for the future and the impact and implications of these demographic changes on pensions.

The following recommendations contained in the report have already been implemented

—pensions for widowers on the same basis as for widows

—a homemakers scheme to enable them to acquire pensions in their own right

—full PRSI to be payable by all new entrants to public sector employments

—increasing the earnings disregard in respect of lone parents allowance

In addition, a major survey of occupational pension schemes is to be carried out, as recommended in the report, to be financed mainly by my Department.

I intend to bring forward proposals on the remaining issues addressed in the report as soon as possible. Many of the proposals will, of course, take account of demographic changes and their impact on pensions.