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Pensions Reform

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 February 2019

Wednesday, 27 February 2019

Questions (209)

Catherine Martin

Question:

209. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to create a clear and easy-to-read page on www.welfare.ie outlining the persons who will be affected by the changes and the meaning of those changes for their expected pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9784/19]

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Written answers

The Government intends to introduce a Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to establish the level of entitlement for all new state pension contributory claims from 2020 onwards (TCA2020).

I launched a public consultation on the design of the full TCA to be introduced from 2020 on the 28th of May 2018 to which a wide variety of stakeholder groups were invited. A number of workshops were also held on the day to elicit views and feedback. All Oireachtas members were invited to a detailed briefing in Leinster House by my officials shortly afterwards. The consultation was open for over 3 months and the Department received almost 300 responses from individuals and organisations. Those submissions outlined the views of respondents on a number of issues, including the number of years required for a full pension, as intended as part of the consultation process.

I have recently been provided with an analysis of the views submitted in the consultation. I intend to bring a proposal to Government shortly, setting out the details of the scheme. When the Government has agreed the approach to be taken, I will initiate the work required to introduce this reform, including the necessary legislation and systems development.

People will be informed of the details of the scheme as soon as possible, following the Government decision. Arrangements will be put in place for appropriate communications at that time.

I hope that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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