With your permission, a Ceann Comhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
On 12th October, 1971, the Bord na Móna superannuation committee, through the board, requested clarification of certain points in relation to the payment of supplementary pensions under regulation 24 (3) of the draft amending superannuation scheme submitted to me by the board on 16th March, 1971, for approval in concurrence with the Minister for Finance. The text of the clarification sought is contained in a statement which, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
Would a single man between the ages of 65 and 70 years of age qualify for a supplementary pension to the extent of the difference between what he was receiving from the Department of Social Welfare, whether by way of unemployment, or disability benefit or retirement pension and the amount of the old age contributory pension (single rate)? Would the position as in (1) apply if the man were married or had dependent children? Would a man between the ages of 65 and 70 who was actually employed qualify for a supplementary pension under any circumstances?
I am now happy to tell the Deputy that the clarification sought has been given to the board and payment of the supplementary pensions, including arrears, will commence shortly.
