Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

139. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection how he plans to strengthen the safety net for our older citizens, improving their quality of life and promoting dignity and independence in later years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7938/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There are a number of payments and pensions paid by my Department to people over State Pension Age.

Currently, upon reaching age 66, a person may be entitled to either the State Pension (Contributory), the State Pension (Non-Contributory) or the Widow's, Widower's and Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension, depending on their contribution record, means and personal circumstance.

There are also a range of secondary payments available where applicable, including Household Benefits Package, Fuel Allowance, the Living Alone Allowance, and the Free Travel Pass.

Comprehensive information on all of these are available on the Department's website, from officers and in leaflets available in the Department's Intreo offices, and from Citizens Information Centres and website.

Wider supports to people approaching retirement age and beyond, are the remit of a number of other Government Departments. On 3 October 2023 the then government approved a proposal, brought forward by the Minister for Health and the Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, for the establishment of an independent Commission on Care for Older People. The inaugural meeting of the Commission was convened on 21 March 2024. The Commission is charged with examining the health and social care services and supports provided to older people across the continuum of care and with making recommendations for their strategic development. Subsequently a cross-departmental group will be established under the auspices of the Commission to consider whether the supports for positive ageing across the life-course are fit-for-purpose and to develop a costed implementation plan for options to optimise these supports.

My Department has committed to engaging in this cross-departmental group, when established, and will support the work of the Commission as needed.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.