Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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264. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if in the determination of eligibility for State pension, the practice of awarding credits in circumstances in which employers did not make the relevant contributions has been discontinued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19515/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that there has been no change in practice in this respect. The Department will carry out a review of the record of any person who makes contact, advising of the possibility that contributions may be missing from their social insurance record.

Such a review can take a number of forms, depending on the nature of the issues raised; and can include (but is not limited to) the following;

- Examination of any documentation provided by the person concerned,

- A full check of the Department’s systems for the employment,

- A check for Revenue returns relating to the period in question,

- Referral to a social welfare inspector for a full investigation into the period concerned.

All cases where contributions may be missing are investigated in full; and in each case a decision as to the outcome for the customer’s social insurance record is made and communicated back to the customer.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.