Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to express my support and that of the Civil Engagement group for Senator Bacik's Bill and commend the Labour Senators again on being consistent in using their Private Members' business to bring forward legislation that will improve the lives of a small number of people in our country.

I join my colleagues in commending David Parris and Gerhard Scully for not just their bravery but their generosity in taking a case and pushing forward this equality issue through the courts. It was important as a recognition of their own relationship and life together but it was also a great act of generosity for them to highlight and push forward this issue.It is unfortunate that far too often in Ireland we see individuals having to take cases and push them forward for issues and anomalies in the system to be brought to light. I would love to move towards a point, as my colleague, Senator Ruane, mentioned, at which, through comprehensive equality-proofing, we actively seek out the anomalies in the system more often and ensure we can address them without relying on individuals to display such bravery, consistency and persistence.

In supporting the Bill, it is worth noting that the legislation is very specific and has a very targeted effect. There is absolutely no reason for it not to move speedily through the Houses as far as possible, and I urge all Senators to support this. There are wider questions that are not dealt with in the Bill, and so they should not as they are wider questions. There are concerns about the injustice and inequality to the LGBT community represented by clauses such as - I hate even to use the term - the apocryphal gold-digger clause. There are issues of age discrimination in respect of those who find relationships later in life. There are also issues of discrimination in respect of marital status. Many people can be in meaningful relationships for decades of their lives without choosing to marry. There are other questions we could consider another time. What is important is that a pension should reflect the life someone has lived, the partnership he or she has had and the contributions a couple has worked together. The precedent of the spousal pension is a recognition that people come together, contribute to each other and support each other in a life together. This is a wider question. For now, I recognise that the focus of the Bill is narrow and specific in order to ensure that it can effectively move forward and be passed. However, I urge greater equality-proofing of our pensions legislation.

Senator Warfield mentioned the Department's treatment of private pension systems. We give very considerable tax reliefs to many private pension systems. There is a question for the State as to whether it might not want to send a small signal of what we expect in terms of good practice in other future occupational pensions. The Bill represents an opportunity to do so in a way.

This is a very well thought-out, carefully worded, measured Bill which will make a significant difference and fix an anomaly in our system, and I support it. I recognise that the Minister very kindly accepted an amendment I tabled in respect of voluntary contributions to the pension system. It was a small change and it did not affect a huge number of people but it made a difference to people. People feel they are more able to plan for their future and are recognised for the contributions they have made. These small changes can make a very big difference and send a very positive signal that the State recognises relationships and contributions made. I thank Senator Bacik again. I look forward to seeing the Bill back before the House very soon and I hope it will move very speedily through both Houses.