Vol. 526 No. 2
101 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 121 of 9 November 2000, he will state the plans he has to allow pensioners who are already in receipt of a pro-rata pension to use their pre-1953 credits to progress to one of the three top rates for the old age contributory pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26136/00]
The special flat-rate old age contributory pension payable at 50% of the maximum personal rate, introduced in this year's Social Welfare Act, is intended, in the first instance, to benefit people with pre-53 social insurance contributions who, due to the yearly average rule, failed to qualify for a pension. This is in line with this Government's commitment to extend contributory pensions coverage to as many categories of people as possible.
However, the measure has also benefited a significant number of people in receipt of pro-rata pensions at less than 50% of the standard maximum rate. The OACP rate structure was also rationalised in budget 2000 with the number of standard rates being reduced from six to four. It is estimated that about 38,000 pensioners improved their position as a result of this measure.
