Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 February 2005
259 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will address the anomalous position of pensioners such as a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; his estimate of the numbers in this position; his estimate of the total cost in terms of increased pensions of allowing credits to all persons in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3030/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned has a gap in his contribution record covering the period from 1962 when he went over the remuneration limit for social insurance which applied until 1974. It would have been open to him at that time to continue in full-rate insurance by becoming a voluntary contributor. Pensions paid under social insurance represent good value for the contributions which people made. Approximately 57,000 people are in receipt of a reduced standard rate pension with 43,000 in receipt of a pension at the same rate as the person concerned. It is not possible to say what proportion of these are due to the remuneration limit. The estimated cost of paying full-rate pensions to all those on reduced rates is estimated at €68 million.
