Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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362. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the criteria to qualify for the State pension provision for long-term carers which is due to be introduced from January 2024; and when the criteria will be published. [60631/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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This Government acknowledges the important contribution that carers provide 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.  PRSI Credits, Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods recognise caring periods of up to 20 years outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate. 

It should be noted that, if a person does not qualify for a State Pension (Contributory), he or she may qualify for the means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory), the maximum rate of which is over 95% of the rate of the State Pension (Contributory).  Alternatively, an Increase for a Qualified Adult (IQA) is paid, generally, where a pensioner has an adult dependent who does not have enough contributions to claim a maximum rate State Pension (Contributory) in his or her own right.  The payment rate for the IQA is up to 90% of a full contributory pension.  The most advantageous payment for a pensioner will depend upon their individual circumstances.

Despite the existing measures within the State Pension system that recognise periods spent caring, long-term carers of incapacitated dependents may still face barriers in accessing the State Pension.

I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system in 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:

- 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.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.