Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Aontaím leis an Cathaoirleach. On the face of it, this looks like a relatively simple petition but it could be much more complex than we realise. The petitioner is not asking for anything personal in this scenario. The required action is a review by the social welfare services of the method of assessing pension and the right to include credits for years spent in the home as a mother or a carer. We have come across this in our constituencies time and time again. That could raise questions about equality and about European legislation. I am not certain but the proposal to refer the petition to the Minister for Social Protection for her opinion is an interesting one, before it is returned to the committee. In the meantime, we can think about what other legislation might be brought to bear to address such an issue to ensure due recognition is given to the rights of all citizens.