James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1077. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) will be investigated; and if the person will be assisted in locating their contributions. [44965/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A minimum of 520 full-rate paid contributions is required for the standard state pension (contributory), with a minimum of 260 full-rate paid contributions required for entitlement to a mixed insurance pro- rata pension. According to the records of my Department, the person concerned does not have any full rate social insurance contributions.

The person concerned was employed with the Department of Agriculture and Energy and would have paid modified rate social insurance contributions as applied to civil servants at that time. As modified rate insurance in itself does not give entitlement to state pension (contributory), the person concerned does not qualify for state pension (contributory).

If the person concerned had other periods of insurable employment or self-employment, they should forward details to the state pension contributory section and the matter will be examined.

It is also open to the person concerned to apply for the state pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested, residency-based payment.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1078. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if self-employment contributions from 2013 to 2018 will be accepted for contributory pension purposes for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44988/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Social welfare legislation provides for the use of S Class contributions from self-employment in a person’s 66th year (up to their 66th birthday) to satisfy the ‘minimum 520 paid contributions’ condition for State pension (contributory) eligibility.

The person concerned applied for State pension (contributory) on 22 July 2013. They did not have the required 520 full-rate contributions to qualify for this pension. They were notified accordingly in writing on 2 September 2013.

As the person concerned reached 66 on 8 July 2013, any self-employment contributions after that date are not included in assessment of pension entitlement.

It is open to the person concerned to apply for the State pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested, residency-based payment.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.