John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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256. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the rate of partial capacity benefit payment being paid to a person (details supplied) will be increased from €101 to €144 per week given that this is the amount they were being paid before being cut off in error; and if the increased payment and arrears will be expedited. [60998/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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When the Partial Capacity Benefit payment was reinstated in this case, the increases due in respect of the individual's children were omitted in error.

This error has been rectified and the person concerned is now being paid their full entitlement of €146.50 per week. Appropriate arrears have also issued to the person concerned.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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257. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the current status of a domiciliary care allowance claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork [61017/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment for a child aged under 16 with a severe disability. The child must need ongoing care and attention substantially over and above that usually needed by a child of the same age. It is not means tested.

The person concerned was notified on the 4th December 2021 that their Domiciliary Care Allowance has been awarded on appeal from the 1st October 2020. Arrears due for this period will issue with the December payment on the 21st December 2021.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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258. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if consideration will be given to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61094/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Pensions Commission was established in November 2020 to examine the sustainability of the State Pension system and the Social Insurance Fund, in fulfilment of a Programme for Government commitment. The Commission was an independent body comprised of knowledgeable and experienced academics, pension experts, members of civil society and representatives of workers and employers. The Commission has completed its work and its report was published on 7th October 2021. The Commission's Report, its Technical Sub-Committee's working papers, and submissions made to the Commission are available on the Commission’s website, pensionscommission.gov.ie.

The Commission’s Report is a comprehensive report that takes account of an assessment of various analyses of population, labour force and expenditure projections; an examination of international approaches; and responses to an extensive consultation process. It has unambiguously established that the current State Pension system is not sustainable into the future and that changes are needed, and it has set out a wide range of recommendations in this regard - including measures to increase Social Insurance Fund (PRSI) income.

The report has been referred to the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands and to the Commission for Taxation and Welfare for their views. I understand that both the Chair of the Commission, Ms. Josephine Feehily and the Chair of its Technical Sub-Committee, Ms. Roma Burke met with the Joint Committee on 17th November 2021. Officials from my Department also attended this meeting.

In the interests both of older people and of future generations of older people, the Government intends to consider the comprehensive and far reaching recommendations in the Commission’s Report very carefully and holistically. My officials will work over the coming months to examine each of the recommendations. They will consult across Government through the Cabinet Committee system.

I think it is really important that we complete that work before reaching conclusions. I intend to bring a recommended response and implementation plan to Government by the end of March 2022.

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. This Government is committed to ensuring that this remains the case for current pensioners, those nearing State Pension age and today’s young workers including those who are only starting their careers.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.