asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is his intention to reduce the qualifying age for old age pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The payment of old age pensions at an earlier age was one of the aims listed in the statement of intent published in February, 1973. Since then the qualifying age for contributory and non-contributory old age pensions has been progressively reduced from 70 to 67 years. These reductions were implemented as part of the general budget provisions so that the necessary financial arrangements could be made to meet the cost involved. The question of further reductions will similarly be considered in the budgetary context.

The qualifying age for retirement pension is 65 years for both men and women.

In view of the reference by the Minister to aims set out in 1973 and the use of the same word "aim" recently by the Parliamentary Secretary, Deputy Bruton, are we to take it that the 14-point programme contained no promises and only aims in the Minister's view?

Those aims have been achieved to the extent that the pension age has been reduced to 67 years and the aim is to reduce it to 65 years.

So there are aims and no promises.

There were promises in respect of this.

As distinct from aims, or does the Minister regard them as the same?

It is a promise and a commitment.

9.