Vol. 514 No. 4
169 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) will benefit from the pre-1953 contributions he made; and if he intends to introduce the promised new measures in this regard. [4555/00]
Contributions paid prior to 1953 are already taken into account in assessing title to the old age (contributory) pension to the extent that they can be used to satisfy the ‘total contributions paid' requirement. However, certain people who paid contributions prior to 1953 under the National Health Insurance Acts have failed to qualify for an old age (contributory) pension. As I indicated in my budget speech, the Department has been examining ways in which further recognition can be given to pre-1953 contributions.
Accordingly, I have made provision, in the Social Welfare Bill, 2000, to introduce a special pension which will take account of contributions paid prior to 1953. Any person insured prior to 1953 with at least five years paid insurance which may comprise national health insurance or a combination of such insurance and social insurance since 1953 may now qualify for a special rate pension.
This will be paid at the special rate of 50% – i.e. £48 – of the maximum weekly personal rate. Equivalent increases for adult and child dependents will be paid, where applicable. Entitlement under the new pension arrangements will commence from May 2000.
The entitlement of the person concerned will be examined as soon as possible and he will, of course, be notified of the outcome.
