Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

266. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if contributions between the 65th and 66th birthdays are treated as full contributions and not credits to the 520 full rate condition (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37051/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A minimum of 520 full-rate paid contributions is required to qualify for the standard State pension(contributory). Full-rate social insurance contributions paid up to an applicant's 66th birthday can be included in satisfying this 520 full-rate condition. The maximum number of full-rate paid contributions which can be included in any one contribution year is 52.

While credits may be used in the calculation of the rate of pension entitlement once the qualifying conditions are satisfied, they are not included in the 520 full-rate condition to qualify for pension.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.