Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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304. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined [53827/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a social insurance record of 669 full-rate paid contributions, 325 credited contributions and 892 HomeCaring Periods from their date of entry into insurable employment until pension age.

The person’s pension entitlement has been assessed under both the yearly average and aggregated contributions methods. Based on their yearly average of 20 contributions, the person is entitled to an 85% rate of State pension (contributory) which has been in payment since the person’s 66^thbirthday, 22/01/2015.

The aggregated contributions method allows for the inclusion of HomeCaring Periods. The person concerned has been awarded 892 HomeCaring Periods, which, when taken into account with their 994 qualifying contributions and credits, gives them a pension entitlement of 82.16% of the maximum rate.

Therefore, the person concerned is in receipt of the most financially beneficial rate of State pension (contributory) commensurate with their social insurance record. They were notified of the outcome of their pension review on 15 October 2021.

If they consider that they have additional contributions or credits that have not been recorded, it is open to them to forward documentary evidence to my Department and a further review of their pension entitlement can be undertaken. The person concerned may wish to consider applying for State pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested, residency-based payment for people of pension age. The maximum personal rate is over 95% of the maximum rate of the contributory pension.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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305. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53829/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned had been awarded State pension (contributory) at 85% of the maximum rate from their 66^thbirthday, based on their contribution record as held by my Department.

Following a review of their contribution record for the social insurance years 1971/72 to 1976/77 an additional 213 full rate contributions have been awarded.

The person’s pension entitlement was re-assessed under both the yearly average and aggregated contributions methods. Using the yearly average method the person is entitled to a 90% rate of State pension (contributory), while the Total Contributions approach gives a 96.1% entitlement.

A revised award letter notifying the person concerned of the outcome of their pension review issued on 21 October 2021. Arrears have issued.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.