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

The context of the change must be taken into account. I would not begrudge any pensioner an increase and I firmly believe the pension should be increased and, thereafter, index linked. The Minister's changes over recent years have ensured that more of those who apply for the State pension will qualify for a reduced amount, given that she has increased the paid contributions required from 260 to 520. She has also changed the rate band, which will mean women will be affected more harshly, given that over recent decades more women are in precarious work and often take time out of paid employment to look after family.

I ask the Minister to address the problems her actions have caused in the changes she introduced in the 2012 budget and consider another type of homemaker's credit which would plug the gap that has been identified not only by me, but by the National Women's Council of Ireland, to address the gap in the paid contributions of women who have had to leave work to take care of people or who have had the misfortune to be in low-paid work or on short-term contracts so they can fully qualify for full pensions.

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