Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I presume it is the case that even though there is much work to do, which I appreciate, it is envisaged that the January 2024 timeline is still on track. That is really important because for a long time now, family carers who have ceased their caring role and sought their State pension have not been able to access a full State pension. In fairness, they were more than entitled to it after the years of care they provided. This has put family carers in really difficult situations. This is, therefore, a really welcome move. I hope that it will be brought about as quickly as possible.

In terms of total contributions approach, the Department had to look into each case where someone was looking for credits. People had to prove they had children. It was said at the time that the Department would be looking at child benefit and if people were receiving carer's allowance, that would help as well. I presume a similar system will be put in place to show carers who are caring when it comes to them accessing that pension when it is rolled out. Some of that work may be done already and could be expanded into that area.

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