Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a matter for which I have no statutory function. Responsibility for this area sits with my colleague, the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty. In this context, I understand the Minister comprehensively addressed the substance of the question the Deputy has raised in the House on Tuesday, 7 November. In her reply to Deputy Willie O'Dea, she outlined her intention to introduce a total contributions approach to calculating the contributory State pension from 2020 onwards. In the meantime she has asked her officials to examine this matter, but she wants to ensure that any changes or measures which might be taken will not cause any further anomalies or disadvantages. This is matter for which the Minister, Deputy Doherty, has responsibility. I will, of course, work with her on the matter in the House, but I know that she is currently focused on the social welfare Bill for next year.

See this speech in context