John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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1596. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if those in receipt of a carer's allowance are eligible for a contributory State pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55092/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Entitlement is assessed in line with the relevant legislative provisions regarding eligibility for state pension (contributory) on the date a person reaches pension age and the applicant’s social insurance record.

State pension (contributory) and carer’s allowance can be paid concurrently where the qualifying conditions for both schemes are satisfied. Where an applicant qualifies for both schemes concurrently, the applicant’s entitlement to carer’s allowance is paid at half the applicable weekly rate.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.