Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 302: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has sufficient contributions to qualify for a State contributory pension on reaching 66 years; if not, if they can make voluntary contributions until they reach the age of 66 years in order to qualify for the State contributory pension. [21438/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department, to help people assess their position regarding possible future pension entitlements, issues to them a copy of their contribution history record and a 'Working it Out' booklet which explains how entitlement to a State pension (contributory) is assessed. In order to be admitted as a voluntary contributor a person must: · have at least 260 weeks PRSI contributions paid while in employment or self-employment · apply to the Department within 12 months after the end of the contribution year during which they last paid compulsory PRSI or had a credited contribution. · agree to pay voluntary contributions from the start of the contribution week after the week in which they last paid compulsory PRSI or had a credited contribution.

The person concerned may wish to contact the Voluntary Contributions Section of the Department to enquire about the possibility of paying voluntary contributions. Voluntary Contributions Section Department of Social Protection, Cork Road, Waterford. Telephone: (051) 356000 (01) 7043000 e-mail: volcons@welfare.ie