Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 24 July 2007.

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a total of 1,006 qualifying paid and credited social insurance contributions from their date of entry into employment in 1967, to the end of 2007. This equates to a yearly average of 25 contributions, giving entitlement to 98% of the maximum rate state pension (contributory), the current rate of which is €260.10 per week. They are also in receipt of €10.00 per week over 80 allowance.

The rate of State pension (contributory) paid is commensurate with their social insurance record as held by my Department. In order to qualify for the maximum rate, a yearly average of 48 contributions is required.

The person concerned was awarded Jobseekers Allowance from January 2003 to September 2003. If Jobseeker's allowance was paid at anytime during the tax year, self-employed contributions could not be paid for that year. No liability for self-employed contributions was charged or paid in 2003.

Officials in my Department have been in contact with the UK pension authority. Upon receipt of the insurance record from the UK pension authorities, entitlement to a pro-rata pension will be assessed. The person concerned will be paid the pension that is financially more beneficial to them.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.