Tax breaks to “wealthy individuals” who take out private pensions should be “reviewed” as one measure to address inequalities in the State pension introduced six years ago, according to a coalition of older people’s and women’s organisations. Time out could have been for such reasons as caring responsibilities, to pursue further education or to start their own business. Minister for Social Protection, Regina Doherty, is bringing proposals to Cabinet on Thursday to address the situation. She applied for the contributory State pension in late 2012, weeks after the changes came into effect. Justin Moran, head of advocacy with Age Action Ireland, speaking on behalf of the coalition, called on “the State to forgo tax breaks for big private pensions to break the inequity and ensure a fair and equitable State pension”.

Source: The Irish Times January 17, 2018 21:45 UTC