The Isle of Man Pensioners' Association has issued a strong rebuttal to the DHSS decision NOT to change the rules on qualification for the state pension supplement.

The Association accuses the Manx government of allowing some OAPs to be treated as second class citizens.

And it disputes the basis on which the decision has been made.

Marian Kenny has more:

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The Pensioners Association says the decision is an injustice - which is causing hardship to one in five of the Island's frailest and most vulnerable people.

DHSS minister Eddie Teare (pictured) says the rules of qualificaition - the payment of ten years national Insurance contributions - can not be changed because future generations must be protected.

But pensioners' leaders say the present elderly generation - who helped build our current prosperity - are being overlooked.

The association argues that the government actively encouraged ex Manx and UK people to move here on equal terms with Island residents - a promise they say was broken when those unable to pay the 10 years N.I were excluded from the supplement.

The association also disputes Mr Teare's claims that extending the supplement to all pensioners would cost ?14 million a year.