Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Pension Commission set out a wide range of recommendations, including changes to PRSI contributions, the State pension age and flexible access to the State Pension.

In September 2022, following detailed examination and consideration of the Commission’s Report the Government published its response. A key feature was improved access to the State pension for long-term carers.

Since September 2023, Long-Term Carers have been able to apply for Long Term Carers Contributions. These contributions are reckonable for State Pension Contributory purposes for long-term carers (those who have been caring for 20 years or more) and will make it easier for a carer to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory) from1st January 2024 or when they reach pension age.

I am committed to ensuring that members of the public are fully aware of the welfare supports and services available to them. Public information campaigns are an important part of this work.

A public information campaign to raise awareness of Long-term Carers Contributions began on 4 September 2023, to coincide with the opening of an applications system for this scheme. The campaign will continue to run until the end of January 2024.

Advertising featured across targeted national and regional print titles from 6 September until 29 November 2023.

Radio ads in both Irish and English commenced on 4 September and will end on 15 December 2023.

Advertising on social media and digital will run until 31 January 2024.

All ads will direct people to the campaign hub at gov.ie/statepension where they can access more information. The dedicated hub was developed to provide an accessible one stop shop with information on all the changes, in Plain English. It includes contact phone and emails for relevant scheme areas should anyone require support or additional information.

As part of our communications strategy in relation to the changes to the State Pension (Contributory), we also ran a campaign to encourage people to check their contribution statement is up to date.

My officials have worked with Family Carers Ireland to promote the carers scheme and officials attended a briefing session hosted by Family Carers Ireland and attended by carers from across the country. Following the success of this event, it is planned to hold another similar event next week.