Vol. 525 No. 4
121 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the plans he has to allow existing pensioners who qualify for pro-rata old age pension to use their pre-1953 credits to advance to a more favourable pro-rata rate; his views on whether it is discriminatory that some pensioners are allowed to use these credits while others are not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25347/00]
The special measure which I introduced in the Social Welfare Act, 2000, is designed to give further recognition to contributions paid prior to 1953. The Act, provided for the introduction, from May 2000, of a special flat-rate old age contributory pension, payable at 50% of the maximum personal rate, to any person who became insurably employed prior to 1953 and who, due to the yearly average rule, failed to qualify for pension or qualified for a pension at less than 50% of the standard maximum rate, i.e. £48 per week from May. To qualify, a person must have paid at least 260 contributions which may comprise all pre-53 contributions or a combination of pre and post 1953 insurance.
