Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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255. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when applications lodged for State pensions by persons (details supplied) will be processed; the reason for the non-granting of a State pension (contributory) to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47461/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The persons concerned are a couple who both have contributions records based on self-employment.

Since one member of the couple has not yet applied for the state pension (contributory), a decision on his state pension (contributory) cannot be made. An application form has been issued to this person. On receipt of the application, the pension entitlement will be examined and the person will be notified in writing of the decision.

The second member of the couple was notified on 26 July 2017 that there were self-employment liabilities outstanding for the year 2009. Section 110 (1) provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions for state pension (contributory) unless all outstanding self-employment contributions have been paid. The person was advised to contact the Department for a pension review once these liabilities were paid.

The Department’s Self-employment Section has confirmed that all self-employment contributions outstanding issues have now been resolved. A Deciding Officer has decided that the person is entitled to state pension (contributory) from their 66^thbirthday, 3 October 2014. A written notification of the decision has been sent to the person and arrears of pension have also been issued.

The person has applied for an Increase for a qualified adult on their pension for their spouse. This means-tested part of the claim will be referred to the Department’s Social Welfare Inspector for investigation. However, as the person’s spouse has been advised to apply for state pension (contributory) in their own right, they will be awarded whichever payment is more financially beneficial.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.