Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1055. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will report on progress to implement the respective recommendations of the Special Joint Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality and the Citizens' Assembly in relation to women whose pensions are reduced due to the marriage bar. [39119/23]
View answerThe impact of the marriage bar on State Pension eligibility for many women varied depending on the sector they worked in and whether they returned to paid employment. Therefore, it is difficult to identify all those whose entitlement to State Pension was impacted by the marriage bar. It is also worth remembering that most civil and public servants recruited prior to 1995 are not entitled to the State Pension (Contributory) and would not have been entitled to it had they continued working as a civil or public servant, regardless of gender and marital status, due to the application of a modified PRSI rate.
The State Pension (Contributory) system currently gives significant recognition to those whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, often to raise families or in a full-time caring role. PRSI Credits, Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods recognise caring periods of up to 20 years outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate. Since April 2019, State Pension (Contributory) applications are assessed under all possible methods with the most beneficial payment rate paid to the applicant.
Where a person reaches State Pension age and does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for a State Pensions (Contributory) [SPC] or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for one of the following:
• The means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory) [SPNC];
• which is a means-tested payment with a maximum payment of 95% of the SPC; or
• An increase for a qualified adult, amounting up to 90% of a full rate SPC pension where their spouse has a contributory pension; or
• Where their spouse/civil partner is deceased, a widow's/widower's/civil partner's contributory pension, which they may claim either based on their spouse's or their own social insurance record. The qualifying conditions for this require fewer paid contributions (260) than the SPC and the current maximum personal rate for those aged 66 or over is €265.30, i.e., the same as the maximum rate of the SPC, with allowances (e.g., the Living Alone Increase) payable where applicable.
Despite the existing measures within the State Pension system that recognise periods spent caring, some long-term carers of incapacitated dependents may still face barriers in accessing the SPC. They may for example have difficulty establishing the minimum number of 10 years' paid contributions.
Consequently in 2022 I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system to enhance State Pension provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years.It will do this by attributing the equivalent of paid contributions to long-term carers to cover gaps in their contribution record.
The Long-Term Carer's Contributions (LTCC) will be available to those who provided full time care for 20 years (1040 weeks) or more. The periods of care-giving do not need to be consecutive. I expect to bring the legislation required to introduce the LTCC before the Oireachtas soon, with the scheme being fully implemented from January 2024. This month my Department launched an online system for people to register for LTCC. This will facilitate the expeditious processing of LTCC upon enactment of the legislation.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
