Vol. 399 No. 3
103 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will review the position relating to social welfare entitlements for low income public service pensioners, in view of the fact that their incomes are often lower than those on contributory pensions.
Public servants issued at the modified rate are not covered for contributory old age pensions. Depending on their service, persons in this situation could qualify for public service pension at a lower rate than the contributory pension. They can, however, apply for the means tested old age (non-contributory) pension. A person who qualifies for this pension, even at a reduced rate, may also qualify for additional benefits such as the free electricity allowance, free television licence, free telephone rental allowance and for fuel vouchers during the winter months.
The position of public service pensioners who qualify for a reduced public service pension because they had a mixture of full and limited social insurance cover is being examined at my request by the National Pensions Board. Under its terms of reference the board is required to submit proposals to the Minister for Social Welfare on all aspects of a national pensions system.
The overall pension arrangements for public servants and the contribution and other eligibility conditions governing entitlement to contributory pensions are among the issues being dealt with by the board. The question of introducing pro-rata pensions for persons with a mixture of full and limited insurance will be considered in that context.
It is expected that the board's report will be presented later this year.
