Tipperary man has 'changed the lives of so many' says Alan Kelly following new bill signing

Tipperary TD Alan Kelly has welcomed the enactment of the Bereaved Partners Social Welfare Pension Bill, describing it as the result of a determined campaign for justice.

“I’m delighted that the President has signed into law the Bereaved Partners Social Welfare Pension Bill.

“This has been a long hard fight.”

Kelly highlighted the role of Johnny O’Meara from Toomevara, whose legal battle after the death of his long-term partner, Michelle, helped bring about the change.

“It’s been a privilege to help Johnny O’Meara from Toomevara after he was denied the widow's pension after his partner Michelle passed away.”

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“He changed the lives of so many in Ireland after his fight through the High Court and Supreme Court.”

Kelly paid tribute to O’Meara’s motivation and his dedication to his late partner and their children.

“Johnny always fought for this for his children, Aoife, Jack and Tommy and most of all for Michelle. This legislation should be named after Michelle.”

He also reflected on the significance of the legislation for his own political journey.

“For me this demonstrates when politics works and why I entered politics to do my best to represent people and try and ensure wrongs are corrected.”

Calling the previous system unjust, Kelly urged others in similar situations to come forward.

“It was wrong that Johnny O’Meara didn’t receive a widows pension after paying taxes with Michelle and raising three beautiful children in our country.

“That is corrected now and I would encourage anyone affected to apply to the department of social protection for their pension now.”