Anne Rabbitte (Fianna Fail)

I do not mind at all.

I thank the Minister. He is very welcome to the House this afternoon. I also welcome his opening comments. I thank John O'Meara for the tremendous effort he made and the diligence he showed at a time of great loss to him and his children. He found the composure to address the loss and he had the state of mind to recognise how more people could benefit and what the lack of recognition in legislation could mean. I am a person who had a loss also, but we were married. I cannot imagine what it is like for a person to discover he or she does not have the same rights as someone else who has reared children. I compliment the courts system and the Supreme Court. I also compliment the Minister on his prompt reaction and for taking the ruling on board and meeting and working with John O'Meara. The Bill is a wonderful testament to his partner Michelle and to the children.

We welcome and support the Bill, which gives effect to the Supreme Court decision and extends access to the widow's, widower's and surviving civil partners contributory pension to qualifying cohabitants for the first time. Once enacted, this legislation will provide surviving qualifying cohabitants with access to the bereaved partners contributory pension. This is an important financial safeguard for individuals and families who are grieving. The loss of a loved one does not discriminate between those who are married and those who live together in committed relationships. The Supreme Court recognised that such distinction was unequal when it came to the widower's contributory pension. With this legislation we will ensure that a significant financial support is available to grieving partners equally. Those who have lived together with their deceased partner for two years or more and who have had children will qualify, and those who do not have children will qualify where they have lived together for five years or more. The contributory pensions will be backdated. I very much welcome that. The entitlement will not just begin when the legislation comes in but it will be backdated to the decision of the Supreme Court on 22 January 2024. Access will be provided for qualifying cohabitants to the bereaved parent grant and the bereaved partner's contributory pension.

We got the Minister's script a little bit late. I would like to have underlined it as he was speaking. It is quite technical as it covers various aspects within the legislation. There are a number of moving parts, some coming in and others going out, but at all times the Bill ensures we are changing the wording and recognising that the loss is bereavement. That is very important. I support and acknowledge the work of the Minister and the Department. I also acknowledge the role John has played and the work he has done in making such a substantial difference for others in a similar situation.