Pension Provisions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Questions (839)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

839. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify an anomaly which has shown up on the system where a farmer has retired under the EU Commission early farm retirement scheme at the age of 55 years and was advised that participation in the scheme would cover any PRSI contributions necessary to allow them to qualify for the full contributory pension at age 66 years, but it has now transpired that there was no PRSI paid even though the pension was taxable and they now do not qualify for a full contributory pension; if she will investigate same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38833/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Under social welfare legislation, certain payments received by way of pension are excluded from income on which PRSI is charged. As payments received under the Early Retirement Scheme are regarded as payments received by way of pension, they are not subject to PRSI.

The operation of the Early Retirement Scheme is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.