Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

697. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the percentage of target dates and commitments met on time as set out in A roadmap for Pensions Reform 2018-2023 in terms of introducing the total contributions approach by Q3 of 2020; her views on whether this timeframe is realistic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52947/19]

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

"A Roadmap for Pensions Reform 2018-2023" was launched on the 28th February 2018.  It contains six actions which will modernise Ireland's pension system while continuing to target resources at those most in need.  Among those six strands was reform of the State Pension, including the introduction of a Total Contributions Approach (TCA) for all pensioners.

There are three specific actions relating to the introduction of the Total Contributions Approach in the "Table of Actions" in the Roadmap.  They were to prepare a proposal and begin a public consultation on the design of the scheme (by Q2 2018), and to bring forward necessary legislation to implement TCA by Q3 2020.

A proposal was drafted and the public consultation began in May 2018.  The consultation was open for more than three months and the Department received almost 300 responses from individuals and organisations.  Those submissions outlined the individual views of respondents on the issues of most interest to them.

Having carefully examined the outputs of the consultation process, my Department is now designing the scheme and I intend to bring a proposal to Government setting out that design in the near future. When the Government has agreed the approach to be taken, I will initiate the work required to introduce this reform which will include the necessary legislation being enacted and supporting structures being put in place. 

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.