Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

My amendment does not relate to the carer's allowance or carer's benefit but to care credits. For example, that is caring for children or family so care as recognised within the pensions system. I understand what the Minister said but many people do not receive the carer's allowance or benefit but deliver care to children in their family. My amendment concerns the disconnect that happens between many women and the social protection system where they stop being individually visible within the system and move towards the adult dependants phase. Again, I am looking at something a little different and understand that there has been confusion in that regard. I am talking about the kinds of credits used for the pension system.

I respect that there is voluntary access to Intreo but I am thinking of the back to work enterprise scheme or the back to education scheme. I want to ensure that women as they come to the end of a period of, say, caring for a child get access to these schemes on a voluntary basis. I want them to have individual recognition in the system rather than be solely attached to a partner's payment.

I recall that in the previous Seanad, departmental officials came in, and while anybody can access Intreo, there have been times where we were told that resources get prioritised and those who work are on a voluntary basis are often not prioritised in access to schemes. Anybody who reaches out on a voluntary basis is exactly who should be prioritised because these are people who are looking to start a connection with the workplace. I am talking about something brand new but it would be constructive and in the spirit of recognising care work in the pensions system.