Written answers
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Department of Social and Family Affairs
Social Welfare Code
2:30 pm
Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 693: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding Irish citizens abroad receiving State pensions (details supplied). [48538/10]
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The table below shows the numbers of Irish citizens currently living abroad who are in receipt of a State pension.
| State Pension Transition | State Pension Contributory | Widow(er)'s Contributory Pension | |
| England | 121 | 12,483 | 1,254 |
| US | 35 | 3,876 | 244 |
| Australia | 72 | 1,745 | 132 |
| Other | 308 | 9,618 | 423 |
| Totals | 536 | 27,722 | 2,053 |
These State pensions are based on an individual's social insurance record, and accordingly can be paid to any person who fulfils the qualifying criteria, regardless of their country of residence.
The total value of weekly State pension (transition) and State pension (contributory) payments to people residing abroad is in the region of €130 million per annum. It is not possible at this time to ascertain the exact value of payments to widow(ers) category.
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