Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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270. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding determination of entitlement to a contributory pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if she will provide a breakdown of the calculations in this case; the reason all arrears have not been paid from the date of entitlement; the reason the applicant was not informed of their right to make voluntary contributions to ensure an entitlement to a full contributory pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52857/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned reached pension age of 66, on 9 April 2013. Her application for State pension (contributory) was disallowed on 14 November 2012, on the basis that she had outstanding PRSI liabilities for periods of self-employment. A self-employed person cannot be deemed to meet the qualifying conditions for State pension (contributory) unless all outstanding PRSI contributions are paid.

Following the discharge of all outstanding liabilities the claim was reviewed, and State pension (contributory) was awarded to the person concerned on 21 October 2013, with effect from 4 October 2013. The applicant was notified of the decision, and all due arrears of pension have been paid.

The State pension (contributory) entitlement was calculated based on the insurance record of the person concerned covering the period from commencement of employment to 31 December 2012, yielding a yearly average of 49 contributions. The payment of additional voluntary contributions would not have enhanced the State pension (contributory) entitlement, as a maximum rate of pension is payable.