The final report on the first phase of the review of the qualifying conditions for the old age contributory and retirement pensions is nearing completion and will be presented to me very shortly. As I indicated in my budget speech, the review is looking closely at the operation of the current yearly average test and the implications of moving to a total contributions approach, which many people consider would be a more equitable approach. I will report back to the House in due course when Government has considered the report.
In the meantime, I have already introduced two significant pension-related provisions in this year's Social Welfare Bill. The first relates to significant improvements in the current structure of the rates bands for the retirement and old age contributory pensions. From next May, some 38,000 pensioners who are in receipt of reduced-rate, standard pensions will receive increases over and above what was announced on budget day.