CMNT_TITLE

1. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report. It notes in particular the information on the number of persons protected by the various insurance schemes (Part XIV (Miscellaneous provisions), Article 76, paragraph 1(b), of the Convention).

2. Part IX (Invalidity benefit), Article 57, paragraph 2, and Part X (Survivors' benefit), Article 63, paragraph 2, of the Convention. In reply to the Committee's previous comments, the Government indicates that the Institute of Social Security and Services for State Employees (ISSSTE) has been examining since 1989 proposed amendments which include the grant of invalidity or survivors' pensions to insured persons who have contributed for a minimum period of five years. However, financial difficulties in the current pensions system have kept these amendments from being implemented for the time being. The ISSSTE is firmly convinced that current efforts to strengthen the pension scheme will eventually ensure compliance with the requirements laid down in Articles 57, paragraph 2, and 63, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's statement. While it is aware of the difficulties referred to by the Government, the Committee expresses the hope that the proposed amendments will be finalized, and that reduced invalidity and survivors' benefits will be granted to insured persons who have completed a period of five years of contribution, as required by the Convention.

3. Part XI (Standards to be complied with by periodical payments), Article 65 (in conjunction with Articles 16, 28, 36, 56 and 62):

(a) the Committee notes the information on the review of pensions. It asks the Government to provide the statistical information requested in the report form of the Convention adopted by the Governing Body, under Title VI of Article 65, and particularly data on changes in the amount of pensions, the cost of living index and the index of earnings for the same period of reference;

(b) the Committee again asks the Government to provide, in respect of persons covered by the compulsory IMSS Scheme, the statistical information requested in the report form referred to above, under Titles I to IV of Article 65 of the Convention, and particularly information on the amount of the wage of a skilled manual male employee (as defined in paragraphs 6 and 7 of Article 65) and on the amount of the benefits paid to a standard beneficiary in respect of the various branches of the Convention that have been accepted.