Pension Provisions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022

Thursday, 13 October 2022

Ceisteanna (31, 85)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

31. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the intended timeframe to introduce legislation underpinning the provision of pensions to carers. [50586/22]

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

85. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on a State pension solution for long-term family carers given her commitment to providing a solution but no inclusion of such a measure in Budget 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50412/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 85 together.

This Government acknowledges the important role that carers play in society and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. Accordingly, 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 State Pension payment.

I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system on 20th September 2022. The measures, which were approved by Government, are in response to the recommendations from the Commission on Pensions. The set of measures represent the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system. One of the agreed reforms is enhanced State Pension provision for long-term carers (those caring for over 20 years), as recommended by the Pensions Commission, and to be introduced from January 2024. This will be implemented through:

- A scheme to ensure that long-term carers can be attributed with contributions for gaps in their contribution record arising from their time spent caring; and

- The establishment of a ‘Family Carer Register'.

My officials are working to implement the reforms, including the development of administrative and IT systems. As part of the work to implement the new scheme, relevant Government Departments, and other stakeholders, will examine options for the creation of a statutory ‘Family Carer Register’ to help identify long-term carers.

I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputies.