Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2022
394. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the case of a person who worked in the Civil Service for 16 years, only ceased working when they got married, cared for an elderly relative for 20 years and has been declined a State pension (contributory); her further views on whether this is fair; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56520/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPolicy matters related to public and civil service pensions are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
More widely, this Government acknowledges the important role that carers play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. Accordingly, the current State Pension (Contributory) system provides for a range of measures including PRSI Credits, Home-making Disregards and Home-caring Periods to recognise caring periods of up to 20 years outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate.
It should be noted that, if a person does not satisfy the conditionality to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory), he or she may qualify for the means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory), the maximum rate of which is over 95% of the rate of the State Pension (Contributory). Alternatively, an Increase for a Qualified Adult (IQA) is paid, generally, where a pensioner has an adult dependent who does not have enough contributions to claim a maximum rate State Pension (Contributory) his or her own right. The payment rate for the IQA is up to 90% of a full contributory pension. The most advantageous payment for a pensioner will depend upon their individual circumstances.
Despite the existing measures within the State Pension system that recognise periods spent caring, long-term carers of incapacitated dependents may face barriers in accessing the State Pension.
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 Pensions Commission. The set of measures represent the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system. One of the reforms agreed by Government is enhanced State Pension provision for long-term carers of incapacitated dependents (who have been caring in excess of 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 drafting of legislation and development of administrative and IT systems as necessary. 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 the matter for the Deputy.
