Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Richard Bruton

Question:

733 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will consider allowing persons who are in receipt of widows pension, to also qualify for the pre-1953 half rate pension concession where they have eligibility on the basis of their own stamps, having regard to the fact that the widows pension was based on their husband's insurance record not on their own; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24092/00]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern):

The special flat-rate old age contributory pension payable at 50% of the maximum personal rate, was introduced for those who became insurably employed prior to 1953 and who, due to the yearly average rule, failed to qualify for a pension or qualified for a pension at less than 50% of the standard maximum rate, that is, £48 per week from May 2000. The measure, which is in line with the Government's commitment to extend contributory pensions to as many categories of people as possible, is designed to provide a contributory based pension for a group who would otherwise receive no or a very reduced pension.

The primary objective of the social welfare system is to provide income support in the event of certain contingencies. As a general rule, where more than one contingency occurs at any one time, only one social welfare payment is payable. In the circumstances, paying a special pre-53 pen sion in addition to a widow/er's contributory pension would not be appropriate.

The qualifying conditions for the WCP are more flexible than those for the OACP. Entitlement may be based on either the full social insurance record or the record over the previous three or five years. In addition, a widow or widower may qualify on either her-his own or the late spouse's insurance record. Where a widow/er has paid PRSI contributions in his-her own right it is open to the person to transfer to the OACP on reaching age 66, provided he-she satisfies the relevant social insurance contribution conditions; the person is entitled to the higher payment.