Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
352. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review and increase the current €30 per week initial means disregard applied to the State pension (non-contributory), for those in receipt of part of an occupational pension, in light of rising living costs and the impact on low-income older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31555/26]
View answer353. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will undertake a review of the means assessment applied to recipients of the State pension (non-contributory) who also receive an occupational pension, with particular consideration of assessing 50% of that income to ensure a fairer and more proportionate system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31556/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 352 and 353 together.
State Pension (Non-Contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a State Pension (Contributory), or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.
For the purposes of the means-test for this payment, from application stage through the lifetime of a claim, an applicant must provide full and up to date details of any income(s), asset(s), savings and investment(s) held, including any changes that occur.
My Department is conducting a review of means testing within the social protection system. The aim is to examine various means-tested schemes and identify any issues related to their respective means tests. With over 140 schemes and services, many of which are means-tested, this is a complex and detailed task.
It is my intention that the review's findings will guide decisions regarding potential changes to means testing in future Budgets. Any prospective changes to means testing arrangements will need to be evaluated and considered within the broader context of overall policy and budgetary considerations.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
