Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2019
629. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps she has taken to inform the public of the increase in the pension age to 67 years of age in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51578/19]
View answer639. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps taken to inform persons of the increase in pension age due to come into effect in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51741/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 629 and 639 together.
The National Pensions Framework was launched by my Department at a press event in March 2010. The Framework stated that the State Pension age would be standardised at 66 with the abolition of the State Pension (transition) in 2014 and would be increased to 67 and 68 in 2021 and 2028 respectively. The Framework received significant media attention at the time as it proposed a number of reforms to the pensions landscape.
The changes to state pension age were legislated for in the 2011 Social Welfare and Pensions Act and, as I'm sure you are aware, have been the subject of significant discussion in the media since. In recent times we have conducted a variety of consultations and press events relating to reform of the Irish pension system including, within the last 18 months alone, the Roadmap for Pensions Reform 2018-2023, the introduction of an Auto-enrolment supplementary pension and the introduction of a "Total Contributions Approach" to the State Pension. Information on the changes to the State Pension age is provided as part of all standard briefings on State Pension.
Ahead of the increase in State Pension age to 67 on January 1st 2021, we will ensure that all those effected by the change in age, and any other reforms that may be implemented prior to that date, will be fully aware of how the changes impact upon them well in advance of the change taking effect.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
