asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is the intention of the Government to reduce the qualifying age for the non-contributory old age pension to 65 years; and, if so, when.

Under the provisions of the Social Welfare Act, 1977, the qualifying age for this pension has been reduced to 66 years from the beginning of this month. The question of any further reduction would be a matter for consideration in the context of the annual budget.

Is the Minister in favour of the reduction?

Yes. When it is economically possible, I am in favour of any improvement that can be brought about.

Does the Minister see any advantage in reducing the qualifying age for old age pensions to below 65 in order to facilitate greater employment?

Yes, early retirement was one of the suggestions put forward to try to ameliorate the employment situation.

Has the Minister any thoughts or proposals on that?

I have and as the Deputy probably knows, there is a great deal of documentation from different organisations on this whole question. The Minister for Labour is the member of the Government primarily responsible for this whole question.