Submission 149
April 2008
Green Paper submission
Budget 1988 brought self-employed into the Pension Scheme – Prior to that date self-employed were not liable for Social Welfare Contributions.
It was necessary to be under 55 years in 1988 in order to qualify – i.e. 10 years contributions by 1998. That meant that those who were 55 years by even a few months were not eligible and therefore no pension for them.
Many people in state and semi-state jobs opted for early retirement from their respective posts and took up non state positions and they now qualify for two pensions which were not means-tested.
At this stage I would be pleased to contribute what is required from age 55 to the age of 65 years and to have a pension paid from age 66 years. I have worked hard all my life and never got anything from the Government.
Why are the oldest in our Society treated as if they do not or did not matter.
