Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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566. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding eligibility for State pension, non-contributory and contributory in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if a statement of contributions will be furnished; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37094/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In order to qualify for a State pension (contributory) a person must:

- have entered insurable employment before reaching age 56

- have at least 520 paid contribution weeks since entry into insurance, from employment or self-employment

- 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^th birthday, or

- have a yearly average of at least 10 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^th birthday. A yearly average of at least 48 is required for a maximum rate pension.

According to the records of the Department, the person concerned has a total of 41 paid contributions (and 9 credited contributions) only, all in the 1961/62 tax year. This is not sufficient to satisfy the eligibility conditions for a State pension (contributory), as outlined. Accordingly her application for State pension (contributory) was disallowed on 9 September 2013.

To be eligible for a State pension (non-contributory), an applicant must:

- be aged 66 years or over

- be habitually resident in the State

- satisfy a means test

The person concerned has been advised to apply for the State pension (non-contributory). An application form has been sent to her. On receipt of the completed application, her entitlement to pension will be fully examined and she will be notified of the outcome without delay.