Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2012
153 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Social Protection if she recognises the shortcomings of the homemakers legislation of 1994; if she will make some sort of provision for parents or carers from pre-1994 to close the gaps in their PRSI records for pension purposes. [28045/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe homemaker's scheme which is effective since 1994, allows up to 20 years spent caring for children under 12 years of age or incapacitated adults to be disregarded when a person's social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes. To be eligible for the homemaker's scheme, a person must satisfy a number of qualifying conditions that includes having a minimum of 520 full rate contributions and a yearly average of at least 10 contributions over their working life.
There are no plans to extend the date of the homemaker's scheme. The introduction of a homemaker's credits to replace the current disregard from 2012 is currently being considered.
People who do not qualify for the homemaker's scheme may qualify for a reduced rate of State pension (contributory). Alternatively, they may qualify for a higher rate of State pension (non-contributory) if they satisfy the means test.
