Marie Moloney (Labour)

Senator Darragh O'Brien's proposal on informing people was a good one. It is easy to refer to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, MABS, and Citizens Information, but one might not be up to speed on social welfare provisions if one is at home looking after kids. Unless a spouse is terminally ill, no one knows when he or she will become a widower or a widow. It could be me or any other Senator tomorrow morning. Homemaker's credits are important, as they are provided for women who give up work to look after children. They should ensure they receive them, as they will be invaluable later in life. Could we embark on an information campaign to this end?

I seek clarification on the widowed parent's grant. I presume the qualifying criteria will increase in line with those for survivor's pension. Younger people might not have made the necessary contributions and, as such, must opt for non-contributory survivor's pension, despite the fact that they have young children. The grant is invaluable to such parents. Owing to the goalposts being moved, some might lose out on receiving a contributory pension. Irrespective of whether one has made contributions, being widowed hurts and the widowed parent's grant is invaluable to many young parents.