Ged Nash
Ceist:1301. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of allowing foster carer’s to be paid the State pension (contributory); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41668/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 26 July 2022
Ceisteanna (1301)
Freagraí scríofa
Matters related to foster caring are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and Tusla. My Department does not hold records on foster carers so I cannot provide the estimated cost sought by the Deputy.
More widely, this Government acknowledges the important role that carers play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. The Deputy will be aware that the current State Pension (Contributory) system includes a range of measures including PRSI Credits, Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods to recognise caring periods (of up to 20 years) outside of paid employment in the calculation of a pension payment. Foster carers are entitled to the benefits of the Homemaker’s Scheme or HomeCaring Periods, on the same basis as other carers. If the foster carer is not in receipt of Child Benefit, s/he can still qualify for the Homemaker’s Scheme or HomeCaring Periods provided the caring periods are confirmed by Tusla.
The Pensions Commission’s Report was published on 7th October 2021 and it set out a wide range of recommendations, including enhanced pension provision for long-term carers (defined as caring for more than 20 years). In the interests both of older people and future generations of older people, the far-reaching recommendations in the Commission’s Report are being considered very carefully. My officials are examining each of the recommendations, including those related to long-term carers and I am consulting across Government through the Cabinet Committee system. The views of the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands and the Commission on Taxation and Welfare also form part of these deliberations. Once we have considered all of these matters in detail and have taken on board the views of my Ministerial colleagues, I intend bringing a recommended response and implementation plan to Government.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.