Dáil Éireann - Volume 517 - 11 April, 2000

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Mr. Deasy Mr. Deasy

104. Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to reduce the qualifying age limit for the non-contributory old age pension from 66 to 65 years; and the estimated cost of this to the Exchequer in a full year. [10565/00]

Mr. D. Ahern Mr. D. Ahern

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern): I have no plans to lower the qualifying age for receipt of old age non-contributory pensions, which currently stands at 66 years.

Any reduction in this qualifying age would have major financial implications, and would not make good policy sense, especially in the light of future demographic projections.

It is estimated that a reduction of one year in the qualifying age for old age non-contributory pensions, including knock-on effects to other social welfare schemes would cost in the region of £52 million in a full year.

Dáil Éireann 517 Written Answers. Pension Provisions.

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