Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004
222 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Laois who is on the early retirement scheme pension is eligible to receive adult dependant allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5798/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named is in receipt of the maximum annual payment under the current early retirement scheme. There are no additional allowances payable under the scheme in respect of adult or other dependents. Because the person named joined the scheme under the joint management arrangement, the value of her husband's old age contributory pension must be deducted from her early retirement pension. If he receives an adult dependent allowance, this amount must also be deducted from the early retirement pension. The question of eligibility for the adult dependent allowance, as an addition to the old age contributory pension, is a matter for the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
