Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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500. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is entitled to a pension from her Department given contributions paid prior to their emigration to the UK. [3782/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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According to the records of my Department, the person concerned reached pension age in 2004 and has not applied for State pension (contributory) to date. The person’s pension entitlement can only be determined on receipt of a formal application.

Applicants who reached pension age between 6 April 2002 and 5 April 2012 must have 260 Irish full-rate paid employment contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory).

Under the relevant European Union regulations, the insurance records of other Member States can be combined to satisfy this 260-contribution condition and give entitlement to a proportional or pro rata pension. Applicants are required to make their pension through the social security institution of their country of residence.

Since the person concerned is resident in the UK, they should apply to: The Pension Service, Pensions & Overseas Directorate, Tyneview Park, Whitley Rd, Benton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE98 1BA, England.

On receipt of the application and investigation of the person’s social insurance records by my Department, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.