Fianna Fáil Senator and Seanad Group Leader, Catherine Ardagh has called on the Government to review the current pension system. People who may have taken time out of the workplace to look after children or to care for a relative are being unfairly penalised as they fail to qualify for a full pension.
Commenting on the issue Senator Ardagh said, “I have been contacted by a number of women who are worried about their pension entitlements. These are women who have taken a number of years out of work to look after their children, and who now do not have enough contributions to qualify for the full state pension.
“I’ve also been made aware of certain cases where people have had to leave work to care for an elderly relative and are now in the same unjust position.
“The Government must review the current system, which is deeply unfair. People leaving the workforce to care for children or relatives should not be penalised for doing so. They have made a substantial contribution to society, both in their roles in the workplace, and as carers. This needs to be fully realised and recognised by the State.
“This Government speaks regularly about equality and fairness, but this pensions system is outdated and unequal. My Fianna Fáil colleagues and I will be further raising this issue again when the Seanad resumes next month,” concluded Senator Ardagh.
-ENDS-
Commenting on the issue Senator Ardagh said, “I have been contacted by a number of women who are worried about their pension entitlements. These are women who have taken a number of years out of work to look after their children, and who now do not have enough contributions to qualify for the full state pension.
“I’ve also been made aware of certain cases where people have had to leave work to care for an elderly relative and are now in the same unjust position.
“The Government must review the current system, which is deeply unfair. People leaving the workforce to care for children or relatives should not be penalised for doing so. They have made a substantial contribution to society, both in their roles in the workplace, and as carers. This needs to be fully realised and recognised by the State.
“This Government speaks regularly about equality and fairness, but this pensions system is outdated and unequal. My Fianna Fáil colleagues and I will be further raising this issue again when the Seanad resumes next month,” concluded Senator Ardagh.
-ENDS-
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