John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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690. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a full State pension contributory will be approved for a person (details supplied); the contribution record of the person; and if they will qualify for contributions as a home carer. [21674/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned will reach pension age on 10 October 2020. Their application for State pension (contributory) was received on 17 August 2020. Since the person has a record of self-employment, their record was checked to confirm if their liabilities as a self-employed person were fully paid. Under social welfare legislation, a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions for State pension (contributory) unless and until all outstanding self-employment contributions are paid.

According to the records of my Department, the person has self-employment liabilities outstanding for the tax years 2014 and 2015. Consequently their claim was disallowed. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 1 September 2020. They were advised to contact their local tax office regarding settlement of the outstanding self-employment liabilities. When these are paid, the person should contact State Pension Contributory Section and their pension entitlement will be reviewed. The review will include any applicable HomeCaring Periods.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.