Exclusion of Tipperary man from widower's pension based on 'prejudice', court told

John O’Meara, from Nenagh, Co Tipperary, is appealing the refusal by the minister for social protection to grant the pension following the death of his partner of 20 years

John O'Meara with children Aoife, Jack and Tommy at a previous court hearing. Picture: Collins Courts

The exclusion of a Tipperary man from receiving the widower’s contributory pension on account of having never married his late long-term partner is based on “prejudice and discrimination”, the Supreme Court has been told.

John O’Meara and his three children, from Nenagh, Co Tipperary, are appealing the refusal by the minister for social protection to grant the pension following the death of Michelle Batey, who was Mr O'Meara's partner of about 20 years and the children’s mother.