Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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216. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who qualified for and received a full State pension in each of the past five years, that is, had 48 average contributions; the number of persons who received a reduced rate in each of the past five years, that is, had less than 48 average contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10589/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The following table shows the number of persons who were awarded maximum rate state pension (contributory) based on a yearly average of 48 or more contributions, and the number awarded reduced rate based on a yearly average of less than 48, in each of the past five years.

To be eligible for a state pension (contributory) at age 66, an applicant must:

- have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 56 years;

- have at least 520 paid contribution weeks since entry into insurance, from employment or self-employment;

- (for a maximum rate pension) have a yearly average of 48 paid and/or credited contributions from 1979, or from their date of entry into insurable employment, to the end of the last complete tax year preceding their 66th birthday; or

- (for a reduced rate pension) have a yearly average of at least 10 paid and/or credited contributions recorded from 1953, or from the applicant’s date of entry into insurable employment (whichever is the later), to the end of the tax year preceding their 66th birthday.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.