Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 401: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the proposals he has in regard to entitlement to social welfare non-contributory old age pension being extended to women who had to retire from the Civil Service due to the compulsory marriage ban and who cannot qualify for a non-contributory pension due to their spouses income (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41523/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The social welfare system comprises two types of payment, social insurance based schemes, which require those eligible to reach a certain standard in terms of the social insurance contributions paid or credited on their record, and non-contributory payments designed for those without the necessary social insurance record for contributory schemes who can satisfy a means test.

In general, the social insurance class paid by those affected by the marriage bar was a modified rate which now gives coverage for widow(er)'s and guardian's payments and occupational injury benefit, bereavement grant and carer's benefit only. This class of insurance reflected their occupational pension position and general contract of service at that time. Accordingly, even if they had continued in employment, contributions paid at this class would not have entitled them to a contributory pension under the social welfare system.

With regard to non-contributory pensions, the new enhanced standard State pension (non-contributory) for those over 66 years, which I introduced at the end of September, features significant improvements in the means test which will allow some who are currently outside the social welfare pensions system to qualify for a payment. In assessing eligibility for a non-contributory pension the means of the household is assessed and this ensures resources are directed to those who are most in need. My Department has no record of an application for non-contributory pension from the person concerned but if she wishes to have her eligibility for state pension (non-contributory) assessed, Social Welfare Services Office in Sligo will be able to advise her further.

With regard to pensions generally, the Government is committed to producing a Green Paper on pensions as part of the new social partnership agreement Towards 2016 with a view to developing a framework for future pensions policy. This will deal with pensions in general but it will include outstanding issues relating to social welfare pensions, including those who remain outside the system. The Green Paper will be published within months. A consultation process will then take place and the Government will subsequently publish a framework for future pensions policy.