Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2025
568. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress of the Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner's Pension) Bill 2025; when he expects it to pass through both Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32408/25]
View answer569. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Social Protection if reimbursements will be made to those who have applied for the widow’s, widower’s and surviving civil partner’s contributory pension when the Social Welfare (Bereaved Partners Pension) Bill 2025 is enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32409/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 568 and 569 together.
Under the law as currently enacted, entitlement to a Widows, Widowers or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory pension is only available to a surviving partner who was party to a marriage or civil partnership.
On 22nd January 2024, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment on the entitlement of an unmarried cohabitant to a Widower's Contributory Pension. The Supreme Court judgment overruled a previous High Court decision and found in favour of the claimant and his children.
Following Government approval, the Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner's Pension) Bill 2025 was published on 13th March and Second Stage concluded in Dáil Eireann on 27th March. The Bill is scheduled for Dáil Select Committee Stage on 25 June.
In relation to reimbursement's, the draft Bill proposes that contributory pension payments will be backdated to the date of judgment or the date of death whichever is later. There will be no limit on the date when the death occurred provided the criteria was met at that time and eligibility continues at the date of claim. It is not proposed to backdate payments prior to the date of judgment.
I look forward to working with the Oireachtas in ensuring this important legislation is enacted as soon as possible.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
