Vol. 496 No. 6
346 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his views on paying State pensions outside the State for older people who may wish to holiday abroad in a warmer climate for extended periods in the winter months, as is the practice in some other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23471/98]
Currently, persons in receipt of a contributory based pension, i.e. old age, retirement or widows-widowers, can continue to receive their full entitlement if absent from the State on either a permanent or temporary basis. In such cases, my Department will effect the necessary payment arrangements when advised of the person's new address.
In relation to old age non-contributory pension and other means tested payments, the legislation provides for disqualification from receiving payment while a person is absent from the State.
While an exception to this rule is made where a person moves to Northern Ireland and payment can continue for a period of up to five years, it would not be practical for control reasons to extend this to cover holiday periods abroad as suggested by the Deputy. However, I would point out that where a person in receipt of an old age non-contributory pension is temporarily absent, for up to 13 weeks, from the State, there is provision to retrospectively pay the arrears of pension due.
