Written answers

Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Department of Social Protection

State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

Photo of Gerry AdamsGerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

287. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he intends to review qualifying conditions when examining entitlement to State pension transition in respect of PRSI contributions paid by self employed persons and if any alternative supports exist for those deemed ineligible owing to PRSI contributions not being taken into account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19810/13]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The State pension (transition) applies for one year for persons age 65 who qualify for the scheme. It will cease from 1 January 2014 and State pension age will be standardised at age 66. Thereafter, pension age will increase to 67 in 2021 and 68 in 2028. These are part of the pension reform measures aimed at increasing the sustainability of the Irish pension system.

In relation to the self-employed, people who pay class S PRSI contributions do not qualify for State pension (transition). I have no plans to review or to change the qualifying conditions for this scheme.

The State pension is a very valuable asset and it is important, therefore, that those who claim a State pension have paid sufficient PRSI contributions over a working life to benefit from State pension. The recently published Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund found that self-employed persons enjoy greater value from the payment of social insurance than employed persons, in particular, due to the lower rate of PRSI paid.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.