Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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273. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the current and expected position regarding the age at which applicants may qualify for the old age pension in the future, having particular regard to the wider debate on the subject that has taken place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48986/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Pensions Commission was established in November 2020 to examine sustainability and eligibility issues with the State Pension and the Social Insurance Fund, in fulfilment of a Programme for Government commitment.

As part of its Terms of Reference, the Commission was tasked with considering options to address issues including qualifying age, contribution rates, total contributions and eligibility requirements.

The Commission has now concluded its work and has submitted its final report to me. The report itself is extremely detailed, running to several hundred pages, and covers a range of complex matters in relation to the Pensions system which will require very careful consideration. I hope to bring the report to Cabinet today and publish it shortly. The Government is committed to taking action having regard to the recommendations of the Commission within six months.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy at this time.