Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

529. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of contributions paid by a person (details supplied) to date which he will take into account in determining eligibility for a State pension (contributory) upon that person reaching the necessary age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10211/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Entitlement to state pension (contributory) is assessed on the basis of an applicant’s completed social insurance record and the eligibility conditions applicable on the date they reach pension age.

According to the records of this Department, the person concerned will not reach pension age until 2023. The person concerned has been provided with a copy of the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ relating to the current eligibility criteria for state pension (contributory) and directed to www.welfare.ie for more detailed information. In addition, a copy of the current social insurance record held for the person concerned has been sent to them for their information.

It is expected that a range of changes will be introduced to the state pension (contributory) eligibility conditions over the next few years. State pension age will be increased from 66 to 67 from 2021, and to 68 from 2028. The method by which pension entitlement is assessed may change to a ‘total contributions based model’, replacing the current yearly-averaging model, which divides your total contributions paid over your full working history period.

It is advisable that all contributors maintain their social insurance record as fully as possible throughout their working lives.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.