Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 September 2018
240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which the State pension (contributory) based on total contributions is progressing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39112/18]
View answerThe Government intends to introduce a Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to establishing level of entitlement for all new state pension contributory claims from 2020 onwards (TCA2020). I launched a public consultation on this proposal earlier this year in May. This formally closed on the 3rd of September. My Department has now started studying the submissions.
The consultation sought input on a range of relevant factors which included the amount of contributions needed for a full rate contributory state pension, the amount of credited contribution a person could avail of, the provisions of homecaring periods and whether there would be a "phase-in period" for the changes.
The online consultation lasted for over 3 months and we received over 270 responses. An analysis of the views submitted is now being undertaken and feedback will be published on the Department's website. Following examination and consideration of the submissions to the consultation, my officials will prepare proposals for the design of the new approach for consideration by the Government in due course.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
