Thousands of pensioners will be able to earn a second income without losing any of their State entitlement under legislation published today by Minister for Social Affairs Séamus Brennan.
Changes introduced under the Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Bill 2006 mean pensioners will now be able to earn as much as €100 per week and still qualify for a pension at the maximum rate.
A single person with no other means will be able to have up to €35,000 in capital or €70,000 for a pensioner couple and still receive the full pension of €182 a week.
Speaking at the publication of the publication today, Mr Brennan said people should have the option of being able to work without interfering with their pensions.
The Minister estimated some 34,000 pensioners would benefit from the change in legislation.
The Bill also contains a number of measures such as increased protection for members of pension schemes and an extension of the Pensions Ombudsman's investigative powers. The Pensions Ombudsman will now have the power to initiate investigations himself.
There is also legislative provision for the proposed €1,000 childcare supplement announced in the budget. People who qualify for the scheme for childminding relief will now be required to pay PRSI contributions of €253 in respect of this income.
Mr Brennan said this measure was designed "to encourage the extension of pension coverage".
The proposed legislation also contains proposals for reforms of welfare policy and provisions for increases and entitlements announced in this year's budget.
Green Party spokesperson for Social and Family Affairs, Dan Boyle TD accused the Minister of being too cautious and claimed the measures did not "adequately" address the future pension provision requirements and "in particular the ongoing problems of PRSAs in this country."
