Written answers

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

State Pensions

Photo of John McGuinnessJohn McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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721. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a promised report on the qualification for the State pension; and the timeline for the completion of same and a decision by her. [21953/20]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The public policy and social issues in relation to funding a sustainable and adequate State pension system are complex. Therefore, the Government is establishing a Commission on Pensions to examine a range of issues including contributions, calculation methods, sustainability, eligibility and intergenerational fairness. The Terms of Reference for the Commission on Pensions are currently being developed and options for its membership are being considered. Proposals will be brought to Government in that regard as soon as possible. Once it has concluded its deliberations, the Commission will report to Government by June of next year.

In the meantime, pending the report of the Commission on Pensions and decisions taken on its recommendations, this Government has clearly stated that the State pension age will remain at 66 years and will not be increased to 67 in January 2021 as currently legislated for. This will require amendment to primary legislation and the Government will bring the necessary legislation before the Oireachtas later this year.

This Government is acutely conscious of the need to consider the sustainability of the State’s finances. However, this is not the only consideration when thinking of the State pension age. The State Pension is the bedrock of the pension system in Ireland. It is extremely effective at ensuring that our pensioners do not experience poverty. The Government is committed to ensuring that this remains the case.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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