Vol. 550 No. 2
419 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if, in relation to self-employed social insurance contribution for persons aged 55 to 66 years, he will outline the details regarding the regulation change where a contributor with five years or more would be entitled to half the rate of old age contributory pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7686/02]
A special old age (contributory) pension was introduced in April 1999 for self employed people who were aged 56 or over in April 1988 and who have, at least, five years contributions paid since then. Payment is at a flat rate of 50% of the standard maximum rate with equivalent increases for adult and child dependants, where applicable.
In order to qualify for a standard old age contributory pension a person must, amongst other things, have entered insurance ten years before pension age. These people could not satisfy this condition and, in the normal course of events, would not have qualified for a pension. In the circumstances, I consider that the special pension I introduced represents a reasonable response to the difficulties experienced by this particular group.
Question No. 420 answered with Question No. 413.
