Pensions for homemakers
Senator O'Donnell seeks to raise pensions for homemakers and, after a procedural warning, expands on the issue, saying many get no pension or a reduced one and need a solution that also supports rural families.
I will raise two matters. The first is pensions for homemakers.
Comment on this
It has been agreed that only the leaders of groups can raise more than one item. The Senator needs to find a mechanism that is appropriate.
Comment on this
I have raised the issue of homemakers many times in this House. There are some people who do not qualify for any form of pension and others who qualify for reduced pensions. I expect the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to come to the House to discuss this issue. Many homemakers are farmers' wives and we have discussed family farms and stamp duty with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister for Finance. We need to find a stamp duty mechanism to ensure people remain in rural Ireland.