Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in a sector (details supplied) who have been refused a State non-contributory pension due to the habitual residence regulation since it was introduced, with details on a yearly basis. [8294/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in a sector (details supplied) who applied for a State non-contributory pension in each of the past ten years, with details on an annual basis; and the costs of those pensions annually. [8295/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the effect the habitual residence regulations have on a sector (details supplied); the way the pension needs of these people can be addressed while they are here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8296/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 to 129, inclusive, together.

The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1st May 2004. The State Pension (Non Contributory) (formerly Old Age Non Con Pension) is one such scheme.

The restrictions were introduced in the context of the Government's decision to open the Irish labour market to workers from the new EU Member States without the transitional limitations which were being imposed at that time by many of the other Member States.

Irish Missionaries, had prior to the introduction of the habitual residence condition (HRC), been paid State Pension (Non Contributory) when returning to Ireland for holidays or medical treatment. Since the introduction of the HRC all applicants for the schemes covered by the HRC have to satisfy the condition and it is not possible to make an exception in favour of any group or nationality. Members of religious orders who come back to Ireland on a permanent basis, for example, to retire may still qualify for a State Pension (Non Contributory) on the grounds that their centre of interest is now in this State.

Details of the occupation of claimants assessed under the habitual residence condition are not maintained, however, the number of State Pension (Non Contributory) claimants who were refused pension since the inception of the habitual residence condition which would include the sector mentioned are as follows: