Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 1162: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan did not receive a full pension on their retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1651/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned applied for State Pension Transition (formally called retirement pension) in March 2006.

A yearly average of at least 48 contributions per year is required to qualify for the maximum rate State Pension Transition (currently €209.30 per week). According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a yearly average of 37 contributions per year over the 49 year period from 1957 to 2006. This entitles the person concerned to a reduced State Pension Transition. The person concerned is currently receiving €205.20 per week.

The person concerned has no social insurance contributions recorded from 1969 to 1980. He was self employed during this period but would not have been liable to pay PRSI contributions for this period. PRSI contributions for Self Employed persons were introduced from 6 April 1988.