Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the old age pension/retirement pension entitlements on foot of Irish and UK contributions in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3539/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In order to qualify for a State pension (transition), an applicant must:

- have entered insurable employment before reaching age 55

- have at least 520 paid contribution weeks since entry into insurance

- satisfy the ‘yearly average’ test:

(for a maximum rate pension) have a yearly average of 48 paid and/or

credited contributions from 1979 to the end of the last complete tax year preceding

their 65^th birthday, or

(whichever is the later) to the end of the tax year preceding their 65^th birthday (an average of 48 or more is required for a maximum rate pension).

The entitlement of the person concerned to a pro-rata State pension (transition) under EU regulations is now being examined. His UK social insurance record has been requested from the UK Pension Service. When this is received, his pension application will be re-examined and he will be notified of the outcome without delay.