Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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600. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a contributory pension application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50332/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned applied for State pension (contributory) on 30 October 2019. According to the records of my Department, they have a total of 2,079 full-rate paid and credited contributions for the period from 1974 to 2019. This equates to a yearly average of 46 contributions which is sufficient to qualify for 98% of the maximum rate of State pension (contributory), awarded from the person’s 66th birthday.

The person was notified in writing of this decision on 30 November 2019, together with details of arrears due from 15 October 2019. They were also requested to notify my Department when they have paid their self-employment liabilities for the 2018 tax year. Their pension entitlement will then be reviewed on the basis of their updated social insurance record.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.