Michael Collins TD hails “long-overdue victory” as Dáil passes Bereaved Partner’s Pension Bill
Michael Collins TD, Leader of Independent Ireland, has welcomed the passing of the Bereaved Partner’s Pension Bill through all stages of the Dáil, describing it as a “long-overdue victory for compassion, fairness, and basic human decency”.
The legislation extends eligibility for the Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner Contributory Pension to cohabiting partners—bringing long-awaited recognition to families who, until now, were excluded from vital State support simply because they were not married.
“This is a deeply personal issue for many families across Ireland who have lived through the devastation of bereavement, only to find themselves shut out by a rigid and outdated system,” Deputy Collins said.
The change follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling in January 2024 in which the court upheld the right of John O’Meara to receive the pension following the death of his partner, Michelle Batey. The couple had been together for 20 years. Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell described the legal distinction between married and unmarried couples as “arbitrary and capricious”.
Under the new law, cohabitants will be eligible for the payment where they were in a committed relationship for **two years with a child of the relationship, or five years otherwise**.
“This legislation finally catches up with the reality of family life in modern Ireland,” said Deputy Collins. “There are thousands of couples raising families and building lives together outside of marriage. They deserve the same dignity and recognition when tragedy strikes.”
The Bill also ensures that existing recipients—whether married, divorced, or cohabiting—will retain their entitlement. Approximately 500 new cohabitant recipients are expected annually in the early years of the scheme, with an estimated cost of €50 million per year.
Collins added. “As Leader of Independent Ireland, I am proud to support legislation that puts fairness at its core, and I commend all who fought to see this injustice corrected.”
