Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013
391. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of the estimated savings to the Exchequer in each year from 2014 to 2019 arising from the proposed abolition of the State pension transition from 1 January 2014, including a breakdown of the offsetting cost arising from affected claimants who would instead be able to claim jobseeker's benefit/allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2989/13]
View answerSocial structures in Ireland are changing rapidly and social supports need to change to accommodate this. The decision to increase State pension age was taken in the context of changing demographics and the fact that people are living longer and healthier lives.
The standardisation of State pension age to age 66 is one of the measures planned which aims to improve the sustainability of the Irish pension system. As provided for in legislation, State pension age will further increase to age 67 in 2021 and to 68 in 2028.
These changes were provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2011. Estimates at that time indicated that the gross estimated savings in 2014 were expected to be in the region of €33 million with a full year savings in 2015 of approximately €65 million. These savings take into account claimants who would instead receive various other social welfare payments, including jobseeker benefits.
