Same-sex couples demand pension equality

Gay and lesbian couples are continuing to be discriminated against by employers, including the Government, who are refusing them the right to leave their pension to their same-sex widow or widower if they die, it has been claimed.

Twelve months ago, the Irish Examiner highlighted how the then public expenditure minister Brendan Howlin had reiterated long-serving current and former civil servants who have entered civil partnerships, or who planned to get married to a same-sex partner, had been refused the right to upgrade their single person’s pension to a spouse and children pension.

At the time, Mr Howlin said the cost of allowing the change in pension arrangements would lead to “substantial additional cost” to the existing liability of public service pensions.