John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1114. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application with supporting letters and work and family history for a State pension (contributory) by a person (details supplied) will be re-examined taking all matters outlined by the person into consideration; and if a positive outcome will be expedited. [45431/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned applied for State pension (contributory) on 21 March 2019, and was assessed as having 362 paid full-rate social insurance contributions. As their contributions fall short of the required 520 paid full-rate contributions to qualify for State pension (contributory), the claim was disallowed. The person was notified in writing of this decision on 10 June 2019, and provided with a copy of their social insurance record on which the decision was based.

If the person concerned had other periods of insurable employment or self-employment, which they consider should be recorded, it is open to them to forward details to my Department and the matter will be examined.

The interim Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to pension calculation, announced in January 2018, includes provision for homecaring periods, but does not alter the qualifying conditions for State pension (contributory) and will not assist any person whose claim was disallowed for failure to fulfil the legislative condition of having a minimum of 520 paid full-rate contributions.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.