Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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48. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection why the pension of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to which he had made contributions by working in the Forestry Service, from which the person retired on health grounds, was reduced upon reaching the qualifying age for the State pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3699/16]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned applied for state pension (contributory) prior to his 66^thbirthday in June 2011. He was awarded a reduced rate (98% of maximum rate) pension, based on a yearly average of 28 contributions, assessed from the commencement of his insurable employment in 1961 to the end of the tax year immediately preceding his 66^thbirthday.

His claim has been rechecked. He is in receipt of the correct weekly pension rate. To qualify for a maximum rate pension, a yearly-average of 48 contributions or higher would be required.