Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

They may look the same but there is some slight legal difference. I know the Deputy feels very strongly about this matter and he raised it in the Seanad with the Minister for Finance. I will have it double checked from a legal perspective. I want to be helpful on the issue. If the double check shows the law is as it is, we will try to see where we go from here. I want to ensure there are not other consequences because there will always be a thin line between what is pension and what is income from earned income.

37. asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans in regard to amending the qualifying criteria for reducing the rate applicable to the State contributory pension; and the way he plans to make savings. [21597/10]

84. asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will confirm that he does not intend to dismantle the social welfare contributory pension structure either by way of means testing or in any other fashion which might reduce the entitlement of a person to pension based on their contributions and their expectations at the time of contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21707/10]

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