Alan Kelly praises Tipperary man for leading fight to secure pension rights for surviving partners

In what has been hailed as a landmark moment for bereaved families across Ireland, Labour TD Alan Kelly has welcomed the passing of the Social Welfare Bereaved Partners Pension Bill 2025 through the Dáil, a change in the law he says is owed in large part to the tireless campaigning of Johnny O’Meara from Toomevara.

"I’m delighted that the Social Welfare Bereaved Partners Pension Bill 2025 has now passed the Dail and will pass the Seanad in the coming weeks before being signed into law then by the President.

"This was a very important week for people across Tipperary and Ireland who lost their partners and were unable then to get a widows pension. This bill will change that forever.

"This change is principally down to one person and that’s Johnny O’Meara from Toomevara who fought for this change on behalf of his late partner Michelle and his three children Aoife, Jack & Tommy.

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"I stood with Johnny all the way on this and fought to change the law with my Labour colleagues, in particular our spokesperson Mark Wall TD. Johnny also had the support of TREOIR.

"The fight went on for years and eventually the Supreme Court in January 2024 said we were right.

"Now Dáil Éireann has passed the legislation to change the law and give the widows pension to all these people.

"It’s something I’m very proud of and I’m particularly proud of and I applaud Johnny O’Meara from Toomevara who fought for equality and has made so many people’s lives just a little bit better.

"Minister Dara Calleary acknowleged all the work when summing up in the Dail this when he said ‘I want to thank and acknowledge Mr O’Meara this evening and also particular acknowledge Deputy Alan Kelly who stood with him, walked with him."