Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Cyprus

Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102) (Ratification: 1991)
Employment Injury Benefits Convention, 1964 [Schedule I amended in 1980] (No. 121) (Ratification: 1966)
Invalidity, Old-Age and Survivors' Benefits Convention, 1967 (No. 128) (Ratification: 1969)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified Conventions on social security, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 102 (minimum standards), 121 (employment injury benefits), and 128 (survivors’ benefits) together.

Article 65 (10) of Convention No. 102, Article 21 of Convention No. 121, and Article 29 of Convention No. 128. Adjustment of long-term social security benefits. The Committee observes from the Government’s report that for the period of 1 June 2017 - 1 January 2022, the increase of basic pensions (7.48 per cent) was higher than the increase of the cost-of-living index (6 per cent). The Committee further observes that supplementary pensions increased by 1.64 per cent which is lower than the cost-of-living index for the same period. The Committee recalls that in accordance with Article 65(10) of Convention No. 102, Article 21 of Convention No. 121, and Article 29 of Convention No. 128, the rates of old-age, employment injury, invalidity and survivors’ benefits shall be reviewed following substantial changes in the general level of earnings or the cost of living. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the adjustment of basic and supplementary pensions by comparing it with the changes in the cost-of-living index as well as the index of earnings.

Articles 29, 57, and 65 of Convention No. 102, Articles 24 and 26 of Convention No. 128. Calculation of pensions. The Committee notes from the 2022 Government’s report on the application of the European Code of Social Security the calculations of the replacement rates of old-age, invalidity, and survivors’ pensions. It further notes that invalidity and survivors’ pensions were not only calculated on the basis of paid periods of contributions, but also on the basis of prospective periods of insurance covering the period between the occurrence of invalidity or death and the age of 63 of the insured person. The Committee requests the Government to provide a calculation of invalidity and survivors’ benefits for a standard beneficiary on the basis of 30 years of insurance, consisting in particular of a period of 15 years of paid contributions and a prospective period of 15 years of insurance, in line with the provisions of Articles 29 and 57 of Convention No. 102 and Article 24 of Convention No. 128. In this respect, the Committee recalls that family benefits payable to a standard beneficiary both during his active life and during the contingencies may also be taken into account for the purpose of demonstrating that the replacement rates required under Article 65 of Convention No. 102 and Article 26 of Convention No. 128 are effectively attained. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to explain in more detail the way pensions payable in case of old age, invalidity or death are calculated for a standard beneficiary.

Articles 10(1)(b) and (e) and 11 of Convention No. 121. Types of medical care. The Committee takes note of the Government’s indication of the types of medical care benefits provided under the universal General Healthcare System (GHS). The Government also indicates that GHS beneficiaries are required to pay small co-payments for medical care benefits, except for inpatient healthcare. The Committee further notes from the Government’s report that prosthetics appliances and eyeglasses are not reimbursed by the Health Insurance Organization (HIO). In addition, only preventive dental care is provided by the GHS.

In this respect, the Committee recalls that the provision of dental care required by Article 10(1)(b) and (e) of the Convention is not limited to dental care of a preventive nature, but also includes curative treatment, in case such care is needed following an employment injury. The Committee further recalls that Article 10(1)(e) of the Convention requires the provision of prosthetic appliances kept in repair and renewed as necessary, as well as eyeglasses. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to ensure the provision of curative dental care, prosthetic appliances and eyeglasses to victims of employment injury, in line with Article 10(1)(b) and (e) of Convention No. 121.