Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
60. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department is preparing to make provision for the roll-back on the decision to increase the retirement age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14202/22]
View answerThe Pensions Commission was established in November 2020 to examine the sustainability of the State Pension system and the Social Insurance Fund. The 2020 Programme for Government committed that, pending the Commission’s report and any subsequent Government decisions, the State Pension age would remain at 66 years and the increase to 67 years would be deferred. This was implemented in the Social Welfare Act 2020, which repealed the then existing legislative provisions which would have increased the State Pension age in 2021 and again in 2028.
The Pensions Commission’s Report was published on 7th October 2021. The Report established that the current State Pension system is not sustainable into the future and that changes are needed. The Report set out a wide-range of recommendations in relation to the State Pension system and Social Insurance Fund, including recommendations to gradually increase the State Pension age.
The Government agreed in October 2021 that the Commission’s Report and recommendations would be referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands and also to the Commission on Taxation and Welfare for its views. The Committee published its views on the 2nd February 2022 and the Commission on Taxation and Welfare submitted its comments on the PRSI related recommendations at the end of February. These various views will be carefully considered as part of our deliberations over the coming weeks.
In the interests both of older people and of future generations of older people, the Government intends to consider the comprehensive and far reaching recommendations in the Pensions Commission’s Report very carefully and holistically. My officials are examining each of the recommendations and consulting across Government through the Cabinet Committee system. I think it is really important that we complete that work before reaching conclusions on any one recommendation such as the recommendation to gradually increase the State Pension age. In this regard, I intend bringing a recommended response and implementation plan to Government in April.
As the bedrock of the pension system in Ireland, the State Pension is very effective at ensuring that our pensioners do not experience poverty. This Government is committed to ensuring that this remains the case for current pensioners, those nearing State Pension age and today’s young workers including those who are only starting their careers.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
