Enda Kenny
Question:316 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the cost of reducing old age non-contributory pensions to a 65 year age limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6650/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Code.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:333 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his plans to reduce the qualifying age for receipt of old age pension, contributory and non-contributory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6898/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 316 and 333 together.
The estimated cost of reducing the qualifying age for old age non-contributory pension to 65 years is €46 million per annum and the estimated cost of reducing the qualifying age for old age contributory pension to 65 years is €79 million per annum.
In considering proposals for reducing pension age generally a number of issues need to be considered including the additional costs involved, the projections for the ageing of our population, improved life expectancy, the sustainability of our pension systems and EU policy in this area which seeks to improve the workforce participation of older people as a way of dealing with the sustainability issue.
Question No. 317 answered with Question No. 315.