Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am conscious that the witnesses were invited to speak on other recommendations and perhaps we could get a follow-up to this question in writing. The cohort Dr. Bambrick mentioned is very specific. Massive changes are proposed, as has been mentioned. Unless people have a large number of paid contributions, they will not be able to actualise their care contributions. The threshold has moved from requiring ten years to get a pension to needing 20 years, and now we have proposals to move to 30 years or possibly 40. It is almost like we will acknowledge care credits but we will move the goalposts so people still end up with a half pension. We need to look beyond vulnerable cohorts or worthy cases. It is a good move in this regard but we need to ensure we do not have another generation of women going into pension inequality. To be honest we need to have stronger leadership from unions on this. Perhaps they have policies. I very conscious that today we are addressing other questions on specific recommendations of the citizens' assembly. It would be good to have ICTU respond to the recommendations, including those on a universal pension. If it is possible perhaps it can be done in writing. I am conscious I am springing it.