Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I propose that we write to the petitioner giving her a transcript of what we have done to date and that the Minister's correspondence would be forwarded to her. Given that the social welfare qualification criteria are quite black and white, we should write to the social protection committee requesting that when it is considering any future pension changes or substantial changes to the social welfare code in terms of changing the criteria that it would take into account the need for a lead-in time. We should also write to the Minister asking her that when substantial changes are being made, especially regarding pension entitlement, that sufficient lead-in time is given for those measures to take effect to allow people alter their work practices or contributions to ensure they can qualify if at all possible. People have built up an expectation, especially in terms of their pension. They have worked all their lives. They have an idea what to expect and if that changes overnight or over a short time, they do not have the opportunity to make up the shortfall in contributions, change the number of hours they work or the number of qualifying credits required. In this case that is the least we can do.