Submission 282

May 08

Green Paper Submission

Pension rights for women working in the Public Service, who prior to 1972, had to retire from the workforce on marriage grounds and who remained in the home to rear families. Some of these women returned to the Public Service in recent years, mostly in the year 2000. They paid modified rate of Social Insurance during their previous service in the Public Service. When they returned, they paid full PRSI. To be eligible for a contributory Pension in their own right, they must have started paying social insurance contributions before reaching age 56.

Even if the Homemakers Scheme was back dated to cover years prior to 1994, they still would not be eligible for Contributory pension if they recommenced working in the Public Service in 2000 at age 57, 58 or later as this scheme also specifies that you must have started paying social insurance contributions before reaching age 56. This is a very serious matter and should be addressed and changed.