PRSI contributions and pension eligibility
O’Keeffe questioned requiring people over 56 to pay PRSI when they could not qualify for a pension. The Minister said the issue was under examination, but cost was a major obstacle; he noted that some contributors could qualify for other benefits.
In the light of additional finance to hand under this scheme, has the Minister given any further consideration to the anomalous position of those who are forced to pay into the scheme and yet cannot expect ever to get a pension? I am speaking of those who are over the age of 56 who are now forced to pay PRSI and under the existing regulation cannot hope to get a pension. Some of them will be paying for eight or nine years.
Comment on this
I think there is a separate question somewhere on it. I have had that matter examined and I will continue with the examination of it. It is really a question of cost at the end of the day. There are other questions, for instance, people come in and do not reach the full number of years. They are qualified for widow's and orphan's benefits——
Comment on this
After three years, or if they have previous stamps it will be sooner. The problem is cost. The cost is very great——