Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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211. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection whether consideration has been given to the exclusion of women who have sacrificed careers to raise families from the non-contributory pension scheme on the basis of their spouse’s income; and if she will examine this exclusion through the lens of social and financial exclusion, noting its potential contribution to financial dependency and the risk of financial abuse from partners, with a view to addressing these inequalities in future policy measures. [40751/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The State Pension (Non-Contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, who have a legal right of residence and habitually reside in the State, and who do not qualify for State Pension (Contributory), or only qualify for a reduced-rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.

Social welfare legislation provides that, for social assistance schemes such as the State Pension (Non-Contributory), all income and capital (such as savings, investments and property other than the family home) belonging to the claimant and his or her spouse/partner/cohabitant, where applicable, are assessable for means assessment purposes.

The system of social assistance supports provides payments based on an income need. The means test plays a critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – such as disability, unemployment or old age. This ensures that each recipient has a verifiable income need and that resources are targeted to those who need them most.

The State Pension (Contributory) which is based on a person's social insurance contribution record has significant supports for those who took time out of the workforce to provide care. For those who have the minimum 520/10 years' paid qualifying contributions, up to 20 years HomeCaring Periods can be added to increase the rate of their pension payment, a person has been providing full time care for 20 or more (non-consecutive) years for an incapacitated dependent, they can be provided with Long-Term Carers' Contributions (LTCCs). These LTCCs can be used to fill in gaps in a person's contribution record for the State Pension (Contributory), including satisfying the minimum 520 contributions required to qualify.

Where a person's spouse or partner is in receipt of a State Pension (Contributory), they can also apply for an increase for a Qualified Adult, amounting up to 90% of a full rate State Pension (Contributory). This will be based on the Qualified Adult's means. The Increase for a Qualified Adult will automatically be paid directly to the adult dependant unless the adult dependant chooses to have it paid with the spouse's or partner's payment instead.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.