Batt O'Keeffe
Question:154 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider making up the difference between UK pensions and the Irish equivalent due to the exchange rate mechanism. [17713/95]
Written Answers. - Pensions Imbalance.
Exchange rates can fluctuate frequently. In view of this and the fact that a considerable number of Irish non-contributory pensioners are in receipt of British pensions, it would not be practicable to re-assess entitlement to old age non-contributory pension each time currency exchange rates move. A realistic approach for resolving this problem has therefore been adopted by my Department. When calculating means based upon EU pensions, the Department employs an exchange rate mechanism which is used within the EU in relation to certain social security transactions between member states.
Any person in receipt of a United Kingdom retirement pension whose means have changed as a result of the change in value of sterling may be entitled to an old age non-contributory pension from my Department provided their means do not exceed IR£66 per week. A United Kingdom pensioner who is already in receipt of an old age (non-contributory) pension and whose means have reduced as a result is entitled to request a review of his or her means assessment at any time.
People in receipt of United Kingdom pensions, who, for instance, may be waiting for the non-contributory old age pension application to be processed, who are experiencing difficulty as a result of their income falling below the appropriate rate of supplementary welfare allowance for their family size should also contact the community welfare officer at their local Health Centre.
While I have no plans to change the current arrangements, the position is being kept under review.