Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding determination of an application for old age pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; the total number of recorded contributions annually since 1972 on their behalf; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12229/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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To be eligible for a State pension (contributory) at age 66, an applicant must: have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of age 56 years; have at least 520 paid contributions since entry into insurance, from employment or self-employment (or a minimum of 260 paid contributions if the applicant reaches age 66 prior to 6 April 2012); have a yearly average of 48 paid and/or credited contributions from 1979 to the end of the last complete tax year preceding their 66 birthday; or have a yearly average of at least ten paid and/or credited contributions recorded from 1953 or from their date of entry into insurable employment (whichever is the later) to the end of the tax year preceding their 66 birthday (to qualify for a maximum rate pension, a yearly average of 48 is required).

The person concerned reached 66 years of age on 1 February 2010. He submitted an application for State pension (contributory) in February 2012. According to the records of the Department, between 2002 and 2009, he has 416 (self-employed) PRSI contributions. He has no contributions recorded between 1970 and 2002. In addition to his Irish insurance record, he has 208 UK contributions and credits recorded from 1964 to 1970. As the date of entry of the person concerned into insurable employment was after his 56 birthday, he does not satisfy the first contribution condition, and consequently his claim for a standard State pension (contributory) under Irish social welfare legislation was disallowed. His entitlement to pension under EC Regulations was subsequently examined based on his combined Irish and UK records. He has been awarded an EU pro-rata State pension (contributory) at a weekly personal rate of €76.80 with effect from 09 August 2010, together with an increase for qualified adult of €51.20 per week, in respect of his spouse. This decision was notified to him on 5 March 2013. Arrears of pension will issue this week.