AQW 53398/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 30/09/2026
Answered On Date: 08/10/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any assessment his Department has made of the risk of poverty among older women with limited occupational or private pension provision as a result of periods spent undertaking unpaid caring responsibilities.

Answer:

I am committed to ensuring older people can access the support they need. My Department provides a range of measures to assist those experiencing financial hardship, including those not entitled to means-tested benefits, and continues to work to ensure people have access to their full State Pension.