Written answers

Tuesday, 26 March 2019

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

State Pension (Contributory)

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1248. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to move to a total contributions approach for the State pension (contributory) for all pensioners in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12985/19]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Government intends to introduce a Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to establishing the level of entitlement for all new state pension contributory claims from 2020 onwards (TCA2020).

I launched a public consultation on the design of the full TCA for all new pensioners to be introduced from 2020 on the 28th of May to which a wide variety of stakeholder groups were invited.  A number of workshops were also held on the day to elicit views and feedback.  All Oireachtas members were invited to a detailed briefing in Leinster House by my officials shortly afterwards.  The consultation was open for over 3 months and the Department received almost 300 responses from individuals and organisations.  Those submissions outlined the views of respondents on a number of issues, including the number of years required for a full pension, as intended as part of the consultation process.

I intend bringing a proposal to Government shortly, setting out the proposed details of the scheme.  When the Government has agreed the approach to be taken, I will initiate the work required to introduce this reform.  I can confirm that the model will include provision for homecaring periods.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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