Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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78. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will provide an update on a State pension solution for long-term family carers, including progress on a family carers’ register and a scheme to ensure that carers can be attributed with contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59205/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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This Government acknowledges the important role that carers play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. Accordingly, the current State Pension (Contributory) system gives significant recognition to those whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, often to raise families or to provide another full-time caring role.

However, I recognise that long-term carers can still face barriers in accessing the State Pension (Contributory).

As this House will be aware, I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system last September. The measures are in response to the Pensions Commission’s recommendations and represent the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system.

One of the most important reforms agreed by Government is enhanced State Pension provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years - as recommended by the Pensions Commission. This measure reflects the vital role that carers play throughout their lifetime and will be implemented from January 2024 through:

- The introduction of 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

- The establishment of a ‘Family Carer Register'.

My officials are currently working to implement the reforms, including the drafting of legislation and development of administrative and 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’ to help identify long-term carers.