Govt must take steps to correct inequities in pensions system for Fingal women - Darragh O’Brien TD

- Women have been unfairly treated under system brought in by FG-Lab Govt -

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Fingal, Darragh O’Brien has called on the Government to set out a timeframe for addressing the inequalities in the State pension, which are negatively impacting on women. Deputy O’Brien, whose professional background is in the pensions sector said, “Fianna Fáil have brought forward a private members motion to highlight the issue, and we are pushing for the Government to set out a comprehensive plan to create a fairer system. “The current pension system puts women across Ireland at a severe disadvantage. Anyone who took time out from the workforce for caring and childminding duties is unfairly penalised.

"The situation was further exacerbated by the disastrous changes introduced in 2012. I have worked closely with dozens of women in Fingal who have been caught by these unfair rules and they need to be changed- plain and simple. “Of the 36,000 people affected by these changes, 62% are women. Even the Minister for Finance described the situation as ‘bonkers’ and ‘unbelievable.'

"Whats more, the then Tánaiste and Minister responsible for introducing the 2012 changes, Joan Burton has said she ‘regrets’ them. “The inequities have resulted in thousands of people in Fingal losing out on their full pension entitlements. The Government must begin correcting these anomalies to ensure equal treatment of men and women. “It’s deeply disappointing that the Government has allowed this issue to continue for so long and it is imperative that it is tackled.

"I would like to see the Minister outline a detailed plan which would allow for the anomaly to be addressed on an incremental basis, reflecting the finances available to the State. He concluded, “The State has a roll to play to leading the way in ending gender discrimination in this country. It needs to start with this glaringly obvious problem that is affecting so many of our citizens.”