04/04/2019
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. Of these, over 8,850 resulted in an increase in payment for the pensioners concerned.
Criticising the Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection, Deputy Butler said: "Fianna Fáil fought very hard to get the government to rectify the anomalies with regard to Contributory Pension entitlements that came about following the disastrous changes introduced by Fine Gael and Labour in 2012.
"These changes resulted in thousands of people being denied their entitlement to a full state pension. Whilst I am of course glad that reviews are underway and that a number of pensioners have received their revised payment I am dismayed by the slow pace of the review process.
"Many pensioners feel very frustrated after their expectations were heightened by the Minister; the slow pace of delivery is extremely unfair to those pensioners whose pension payments are unfairly reduced in 2012.
"This review was announced in January 2018 and it now looks likely that thousands of pensioners may end up waiting up to two years before a decision is finalised on their entitlement to an increase in the State Contributory pension.
"It is very disappointing for pensioners who having being denied their entitlement to a full state Contributory Pension for years are now subject to further delays. I am therefore calling on Minister Doherty to speed up this process and ensure that reviews are being conducted as quickly and efficiently as possible."
New figures released to Deputy Butler reveal that as of 28th March 2019, only 11,646 of 90,000 reviews have been completed. Of these, over 8,850 resulted in an increase in payment for the pensioners concerned.
Criticising the Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection, Deputy Butler said: "Fianna Fáil fought very hard to get the government to rectify the anomalies with regard to Contributory Pension entitlements that came about following the disastrous changes introduced by Fine Gael and Labour in 2012.
"These changes resulted in thousands of people being denied their entitlement to a full state pension. Whilst I am of course glad that reviews are underway and that a number of pensioners have received their revised payment I am dismayed by the slow pace of the review process.
"Many pensioners feel very frustrated after their expectations were heightened by the Minister; the slow pace of delivery is extremely unfair to those pensioners whose pension payments are unfairly reduced in 2012.
"This review was announced in January 2018 and it now looks likely that thousands of pensioners may end up waiting up to two years before a decision is finalised on their entitlement to an increase in the State Contributory pension.
"It is very disappointing for pensioners who having being denied their entitlement to a full state Contributory Pension for years are now subject to further delays. I am therefore calling on Minister Doherty to speed up this process and ensure that reviews are being conducted as quickly and efficiently as possible."
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
13 March 2024
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
28 October 2015
FF Raise Concerns Over Ireland's Pension System
Fianna Fáil has raised concerns after the Melbourne Mercer Global Pensions Index (MMGPI) ranked Ireland's pension system 11th out of 25 countries for a second year running. The report also ranked the sustainability of the Irish pension system is ranked in just 20th place.
FF Raise Concerns Over Ireland's Pension System
Fianna Fáil has raised concerns after the Melbourne Mercer Global Pensions Index (MMGPI) ranked Ireland's pension system 11th out of 25 countries for a second year running. The report also ranked the sustainability of the Irish pension system is ranked in just 20th place.
21 March 2024
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar Announces Resignation
Ireland's Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has announced that he will stand down as prime minister with immediate effect and leader of Fine Gael as soon as his successor is selected.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar Announces Resignation
Ireland's Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has announced that he will stand down as prime minister with immediate effect and leader of Fine Gael as soon as his successor is selected.
14 March 2024
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.