Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2018
732. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of plans to reform the pension system in particular the anomalies in the system which discriminate against women; the legislation to be introduced to address this before the first quarter of 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37219/18]
View answerOn 23 January last, this Government agreed to a proposal that will allow pensioners affected by the 2012 changes in rate bands to have their pension entitlement calculated on a Total Contributions basis, including provision for up to 20 years of a new home caring credit.
Legislation is being drafted to enable implementation of these arrangements, and a number of options regarding the best approach to passing that legislation are being considered. In addition, an information technology system has to be developed in line with the legislation. My Department is currently working on both of these projects. As planned from the outset, it is expected that reviews will commence in the final quarter of this year, with the first payments being made in the first quarter of 2019 backdated to the end of March this year.
It is not necessary for people to contact the Department on this matter. Once the necessary steps have been taken, my Department will write to the people impacted and provide them with the opportunity to have their pension calculation reviewed.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
