Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
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99. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a pension matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19790/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Credited contributions (credits) are awarded in circumstances such as unemployment or illness, to help protect the future social insurance entitlements of insured persons during periods when they may not be in a position to make paid contributions (via Pay Related Social Insurance or PRSI).

If a person is in insurable employment, they pay a PRSI contribution each week. PRSI contributions are not made when a person:

- is absent from work due to an illness; or

- is unemployed.

Where a person is unable to work due to illness or injury, they may be paid illness benefit and their contributions will continue while on this scheme.

If a person becomes unemployed, even temporarily, and does not qualify for an unemployment payment, they can sign-on for credits at their local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Office to keep their social insurance record up-to-date.

They will get a credit for each full week of proven unemployment. They must be available for work, genuinely seeking work and capable of work.

These credits are like the PRSI contributions you pay while you are working. Credits are usually awarded at the same class as your last paid PRSI contribution.

My Department is not advised when people working in temporary positions become unemployed during the year. It would up to the people themselves to advise their local Intreo centre and seek advice on the options available to them.

Information on all of the Department’s schemes, including the availability of credited contributions, is available from all Intreo centres and Social Welfare Local/Branch offices. Information is also available on my Department’s website () and on the Citizens’ Information website ().