Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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423. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the decision will be made on an application for the old age pension (contributory) by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57139/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned will reach pension age on 28 December 2021 and applied for State pension (contributory) on 6 October 2021. Determination of pension eligibility depends on the individual nature of an applicant’s circumstances.

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a self-employment record since the 1994/95 tax year. Under social welfare legislation, a self-employed contributor will not be regarded as satisfying the contribution conditions for State pension (contributory) unless the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year prior to reaching pension age (currently 66 years), and until all self-employment contributions payable have been paid.

Following confirmation that the required self-employment liabilities have been paid in full, the person’s State pension (contributory) has been awarded from their 66^thbirthday at 90% of the maximum rate. Their pension entitlement is based on their social insurance record of 1,488 qualifying paid and credited contributions over their working life, which equates to a yearly average of 31. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 18 November 2021.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.