Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. I would appreciate if the Minister could raise this matter with the Minister for Social Protection. I also propose to raise it with her. I raised it last week at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection and at departmental level.

The Minister cited a figures in respect of the cost of this measure. I would like to know how many people are involved. As I have already stated, I do not believe there are as many people involved as people might think. I understand the need for them to have the 520 paid contributions. However, prior to the last budget these people qualified for 95% of the State pension, while having taken the time out for caring duties. I am pleased that today's women will be facilitated by way of the homemaker's credit. However, I would like to push this matter further and ask that it be considered in the context of the budgetary process.