Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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334. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to her announcement that carers will receive entitlements and contributions towards an old age pension, the basis on which contributions will be awarded; the date from which such pensions will apply; if they will be backdated; if the payment rates will be aligned fully with the standard State pension (contributory); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47252/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system on 20th September. The measures, which were approved by Cabinet, are in response to the recommendations from the Commission on Pensions. The set of measures represent the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system.

One of the reforms agreed by Government is enhanced State Pension provision for long-term carers (in excess of 20 years), as recommended by the Pensions Commission, and to be introduced from January 2024. This will be implemented:

- through a scheme to ensure that long-term carers can be attributed with contributions for gaps in their contribution record arising from their time spent caring; and

- through the establishment of a ‘Family Carer Register'.

My officials will start working to implement the reforms, including the drafting of legislation and development of administrative / IT systems as necessary. As part of the work to implement the new scheme, relevant Government Departments, and other stakeholders, will examine options for the creation of a statutory ‘Family Carer Register’. Therefore, I cannot provide precise details of the conditions for the new scheme at this stage.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.