John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 907: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made in relation to contributory State pension entitlement arising from pension claims that have resulted from partnerships and when the claimants have paid up their PRSI contributions on the understanding that they would have an entitlement; the number of applications that fall into this category; when she expects to make a decision in relation to entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39424/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The publication of the booklet SW124 – "Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements" – clarified existing procedures in relation to the recognition of commercial partnerships between husbands and wives for social insurance purposes. It did not involve a change in existing policy or administration and applicants for the state pension (contributory) still have to satisfy the eligibility conditions as contained in legislation. There are 37 cases with decisions pending at present and the Department will notify customers of their pension entitlements as soon as possible.