Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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338. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the UK contributions of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry were considered in the assessment of their State pension (contributory) rate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49503/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 25 March 2011. According to the records of my Department, they had a total of 867 full-rate contributions and credits from their date of entry into insurable employment (25 March 1961) until end-December 2010 which gives a yearly average of 17. They were awarded a standard State Pension (contributory), based solely on their Irish contribution record, at 75% of the maximum rate of pension. They were notified of this decision in writing on 3 February 2011 and provided with a copy of the social insurance record on which this decision was based.

Under European Union regulations, the insurance records of other Member States can be combined to determine entitlement to a proportional or pro rata pension. The person’s entitlement to a pro rata State pension (contributory), based on their combined Irish and UK contribution records was also investigated. However, since they had been awarded a higher rate of standard State pension (contributory) with effect from their 66^thbirthday, that rate remained in payment.

Therefore, the person concerned is in receipt of the most financially beneficial rate of State pension (contributory) commensurate with their social insurance record.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.