Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is relevant because in the middle of their working careers people were cut off. While I recognise Mr. Duggan may not see it as such, politically, even the Minister and others have recognised it as being relevant.

The key point is that there were a number of people who were accessing the homemaker's disregard because of a culture which prevailed in the 1970s and 1980s which made it difficult for married persons to work. Effectively, they were homemakers. In the transition to care credits which is positive overall I want to ensure those who were contributing through a homemaking role during that period will not be disadvantaged because, for example, they may not have had children in the home. There will be a small cohort for whom this is important. Perhaps I might follow up with others with whom we have worked on the issue, or perhaps we might follow up on it because I have a number of other issues to get through.

The issue of re-entry credits is one to which we need to return. If someone has spent five years caring and wants to go back into the workplace, he or she may end up with a very onerous number of contributions to make up. It is important that people are facilitated in re-entering the workplace. I am surprised that the issue has not been considered and that it was dismissed by the delegates outright. Perhaps it is issue to which we might come back.