Stay at home and you miss out

So they have gone and done it again. Penalised those of us who decide to stay home to rear our children. I refuse to use quote “choose to stay at home” as choice doesn’t always come into that equation.

Back in the 70s I stayed home to mind my children. Money didn’t grow on trees then either but I seemed to manage somehow – scrimped and scraped, paid my way, mortgages, bills, etc; and did a damn good job even if I do say so myself.

Well “bhí go maith agus ní raibh go h-olc” until I reached retirement age. Because I didn’t have enough contributions towards my State pension, my pension was cut accordingly and my years rearing my children in the home counted for nothing, just as they do today.

Who are the people who came up with the concept that parents who send their children to a child minder get help for doing so and that those that rear them within their own home do not? Curious, that’s all.

Anyhow, to conclude: I retired at 65 years having gone to work at the age of 13. I don’t get a full State pension just because I stayed home to rear my children. So you see, some things never change.

As for the politicians giving themselves an increase in salary, I don’t have any objection to that. I suggest they give themselves €5 a week as they have given me . . . fair is fair after all. Phyl Mhic Oscair Baile Átha Cliath 9