Menu
31/08/2016
Reform Needed To Ensure Women Do Not Lose Out On Full State Pension - O'Loughlin
Reform is needed to ensure women are not denied access to a full pension, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Equality Fiona O'Loughlin, has said.
Deputy O'Loughlin stated that women who take time out of the workforce to care for children or the elderly relatively risk not having made enough contributions to qualify for the full state pension.
She said: "A number of women have made contact with me to highlight concerns that they have regarding access to the full state pension. These people took time out of the workforce to care for their children, and as a consequence of this they do not have enough contributions to qualify for the full state pension.
"The Government should address this issue and ensure that a person who has taken time out of the workforce to care for children or an elderly relative is not unfairly disadvantaged. It's important to remember that those who care for children or elderly relatives are doing the state a service.
"It is imperative that we value and recognise the contribution that carers make to our society. We must put in place mechanisms that will ensure they are not confined to poverty in later years because of their previous caring responsibilities. I plan on raising this issue with Minister Varadkar and Minister O'Donohue when the Dáil resumes.
"It is not good enough for the Government to just talk about equality and fairness, they must actually practice what they preach."
(MH/LM)
Deputy O'Loughlin stated that women who take time out of the workforce to care for children or the elderly relatively risk not having made enough contributions to qualify for the full state pension.
She said: "A number of women have made contact with me to highlight concerns that they have regarding access to the full state pension. These people took time out of the workforce to care for their children, and as a consequence of this they do not have enough contributions to qualify for the full state pension.
"The Government should address this issue and ensure that a person who has taken time out of the workforce to care for children or an elderly relative is not unfairly disadvantaged. It's important to remember that those who care for children or elderly relatives are doing the state a service.
"It is imperative that we value and recognise the contribution that carers make to our society. We must put in place mechanisms that will ensure they are not confined to poverty in later years because of their previous caring responsibilities. I plan on raising this issue with Minister Varadkar and Minister O'Donohue when the Dáil resumes.
"It is not good enough for the Government to just talk about equality and fairness, they must actually practice what they preach."
(MH/LM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 June 2011
Almost 70,000 Carers To Receive Respite Grant This Year
Almost 70,000 carers are due to receive the Respite Care Grant, the majority of them this week. The annual grant of €1,700 is available to all carers providing full-time care and attention to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.
Almost 70,000 Carers To Receive Respite Grant This Year
Almost 70,000 carers are due to receive the Respite Care Grant, the majority of them this week. The annual grant of €1,700 is available to all carers providing full-time care and attention to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.
04 April 2019
Fianna Fáil Raise Concerns Over Delays In Pension Increases
Some 78,000 pensioners are still waiting on a decision about their entitlement to an increase in the State Contributory Pension, according to Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Older People and TD for Waterford, Mary Butler. New figures released to Deputy Butler reveal that as of 28th March 2019, only 11,646 of 90,000 reviews have been completed.
Fianna Fáil Raise Concerns Over Delays In Pension Increases
Some 78,000 pensioners are still waiting on a decision about their entitlement to an increase in the State Contributory Pension, according to Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Older People and TD for Waterford, Mary Butler. New figures released to Deputy Butler reveal that as of 28th March 2019, only 11,646 of 90,000 reviews have been completed.
21 August 2015
Concerns Over 'Unsafe Care Environment' At Cork University Hospital
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has raised concerns over an "unsafe care environment" in a number of wards at Cork University Hospital (CUH). Senior management at CUH confirmed last week that there are currently 78 nursing posts vacant in the hospital. Despite this, the hospital is operating at almost full capacity.
Concerns Over 'Unsafe Care Environment' At Cork University Hospital
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has raised concerns over an "unsafe care environment" in a number of wards at Cork University Hospital (CUH). Senior management at CUH confirmed last week that there are currently 78 nursing posts vacant in the hospital. Despite this, the hospital is operating at almost full capacity.
03 April 2009
CPSU Warn Of Pay Cuts' Resistance
The main civil service union has said it will oppose any Government plans for paycuts in the emergency budget next week.
CPSU Warn Of Pay Cuts' Resistance
The main civil service union has said it will oppose any Government plans for paycuts in the emergency budget next week.
18 November 2016
Party's Call For Govt Action On Gender Pension Gap
Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin have both called for government action on the gender pension gap. FF have tabled an amendment to the Social Welfare Bill which would see the eligibility criteria for the State pension reviewed to ensure that women who took time out of work to look after children or to care for a loved one, are not penalised.
Party's Call For Govt Action On Gender Pension Gap
Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin have both called for government action on the gender pension gap. FF have tabled an amendment to the Social Welfare Bill which would see the eligibility criteria for the State pension reviewed to ensure that women who took time out of work to look after children or to care for a loved one, are not penalised.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy this evening with occasional drizzle. The rest of the night will remain cloudy with the chance of a little drizzle but many places dry. Mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
