Dinny McGinley
Question:888 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if plans are being considered to means-test the contributory State pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39101/09]
View answerTuesday, 3 November 2009
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The state pension (contributory) is one of a number of social welfare schemes based upon social insurance. Payments based on social insurance contributions are funded through pay-related contributions to the social insurance fund by employers, employees and the self-employed with subvention, where necessary, by the State. In the case of contributory pensions, payment is made on reaching pension age provided the qualifying conditions, which include having paid a minimum number of contributions at an appropriate rate and reaching a minimum average annual contribution rate, have been met. The state pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested payment funded entirely by taxation. There are no plans to means test the state pension (contributory).