Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1305. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the proposed changes to the pension system in 2020; the nature of these changes; the proposals for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36629/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As a general policy, the Government intends to introduce a Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to establishing level of entitlement for all new state pension contributory claims from 2020 onwards. I launched a public consultation on this proposal earlier this year in May.  This closed last Monday, the 3rd of September.  My Department has now started studying the submissions.

The consultation (which is still available for viewing on the Consultations Section of my Department's website) sought input on a range of relevant factors which included the amount of contributions needed for a full rate contributory state pension, the amount of credited contribution a person could avail of, and whether there would be a "phase-in period" for the changes.

Following examination and consideration of the submissions to the consultation, my officials will prepare proposals for the design of the new approach for consideration by the Government in due course.

I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.