Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."

As the House will be aware, in January 2024, the Supreme Court overturned my Department’s decision not to pay the widower’s contributory pension to Mr. Johnny O’Meara. At the outset of the debate, I wish to acknowledge the loss Mr. O'Meara and his family have suffered. Mr. O'Meara's long-term partner and the mother of their children, Michelle, died in January 2021. No payment from the State will make up for that loss. I want to acknowledge the determination, commitment and courage that Mr. O'Meara and his family have shown in seeking to bring about a change in the law.

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