148 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will examine the position of payments made by the self-employed, towards the provision of contributory old age pensions; and whether such payments will be assessed in respect of claims for retirement pensions.

Self-employed persons became insured under the social insurance system for pension purposes with effect from 6 April 1988. Contributions at the class S rate are payable by this group and provide cover for old age (contributory) and widow's and orphans pensions. Class S contributions do not provide cover for retirement pension.

The whole area of entitlement to pensions, including the issue of retirement pensions for the self-employed, is being examined by the National Pensions Board in the context of its final report on a national pensions system. I expect to receive the board's report in the near future and the matter will be considered further in this context.