PRSI anomalies for older public servants
Deputy O'Sullivan asked that pre-1995 public servants who paid class C and D PRSI be reconsidered for full contributory pension entitlement. The Minister said the rules were clear at the time but committed to look at the issue again.
I raise an issue relating to public servants recruited before 1995 who paid class D and class C PRSI contributions. Can this cohort be considered for reassessment of their PRSI contributions? Those on the 1951 pension scheme were not afforded the opportunity to pay full PRSI contributions but those who joined post 1995 were allowed to pay full contributions. Those latter staff now have an entitlement to full State contributory pensions whereas those under the 1951 pension scheme do not. I feel this anomaly, which affects a relatively small, older cohort of people, is adversely affecting a group of people who are mainly in their 70s and many of whom are in their 80s.
Most of these pensioners are getting less than the living wage. Will the Minister consider reviewing their situation and giving them parity of treatment with their fellow workers?
Comment on this
I am well aware of classes D and C. Those were the rules in place. It was set out very clearly at the time and people were probably aware of that. I give the Deputy a commitment that I will look at it again.