Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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36. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if information has been received from England in the case of the pending social insurance record and pending review for an increased level of widow's contributory pension to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35652/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The UK authorities have forwarded the UK social insurance record of the person concerned to the Department and her entitlement to a widow’s pension under EU Regulations based on a combination of her own Irish and UK social insurance record has been established.

The person concerned is entitled to a widow’s pension under EU Regulations at the weekly rate of €17.20 from the 3^rdApril 2015. However, as she is currently in receipt of a widow’s pension under EU Regulations, based on her late spouse’s combined Irish and UK social insurance, at the higher amount of €31.70 weekly, her current pension will remain in payment.

Written confirmation of this decision has been sent to the person concerned and they have also been advised of the option of applying for widow’s non-contributory pension, should they wish to do so.

If the person concerned is not satisfied with this decision she can appeal it by writing to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.