Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
25. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the specifics regarding the pension entitlements being worked on for carers by her Department presently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18134/24]
View answerThis Government acknowledges the vital role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. Accordingly, the current State Pension (Contributory) system provides 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 payment rate. Despite these measures, some long-term carers of incapacitated dependants may still face barriers in accessing the State Pension Contributory. They may for example have difficulty establishing the minimum number of 10 years of paid contributions.Last year, legislation was enacted to implement a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system as part of the Government's response to the Pensions Commission’s recommendations.A key measure introduced is enhanced 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 a paid contribution to long-term carers to cover gaps in their contribution record.This measure is available to individuals who reached State Pension age from 1 January 2024 and is also available to people currently over pension age. They will be able to apply for these periods, but they will only receive a State Pension (Contributory) or enhanced pension from 1st January 2024 where eligible.Last year, my Department launched an online system for people to register for long term caring contributions prior to reaching pensionable age to facilitate the expeditious processing of these periods to their contribution record.I am very pleased that the legislation to give effect to these measures was enacted in December and the scheme came into operation on 1st January 2024. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
