Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 252: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 429 of 20 October 2009, when the national pensions framework will be completed; if it will address the issue of extending the homemaker's scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44179/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Since the publication of the Green Paper on Pensions in October 2007, the Government has taken several initiatives to respond to the immediate difficulties facing members of pension schemes, particularly of defined benefit schemes. We have moved quickly to assist pension scheme members through measures announced last December and the amendments passed in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, earlier this year.

The Government is aware that the wider and longer-term pensions policy issues require a comprehensive and co-ordinated response. Since the end of the consultation process last year, we have been considering a number of options to address the challenges facing our pension system and which were raised in the Green Paper process. This includes the operation of the homemaker's scheme, with particular regard being paid to the operative date of the scheme and the use of credits for pension purposes rather than the current system of disregards.

The Government will continue to discuss reform options, including any changes to the homemaker's scheme, for inclusion in the national pensions framework which will be published in the near future.