Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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170. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the eligibility for contributory State pension of a person (details supplied); the options available in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12254/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The question relates to the possibility of the person concerned becoming a voluntary social insurance contributor, for the purposes of filling gaps in his social insurance record. As the Deputy will be aware, I recently introduced legislation extending the period during which a person may opt to become a voluntary contributor, increasing the period from from 12 months to 60 months. Unfortunately, as the person concerned last paid compulsory PRSI in the 2007 tax year he is outside the 60 month time limit to make an application to become a voluntary contributor.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.