Submission 251

May 08

Green Paper Submission

I wish to make a submission about an inequity, which, I believe, exists in relation to State Pensions granted to those who reach 66.

In my case, I was refused any pension, due to insufficient insurance contributions. This is fully documented in correspondence with CP/RP Correspondence Section, Pension Services Office at the Department of Social & Family Affairs in Sligo.

The matter subsequently went to appeal but was turned down.

I would like to suggest, using my situation as an example, that those who have contributed but not reached the required levels, should, at least, be put on a scale at retirement, possible at a small weekly entry rate. This, I believe, would then mean that, as Ministers of Finance in their annual budgets, give pension increases, which are not percentages, people, like me, would then be granted the appropriate weekly increase.

In my case that would mean that I could possibly be getting €50 per week pension, at this stage. I would request that this is given consideration in the review process in keeping with the Government’s stated policy of assisting older people in a generous way.