Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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326. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for a State pension in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13793/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned will reach pension age on 02 April 2022. An application for State pension (contributory) was received on 07 February 2022. Determination of pension eligibility depends on the individual nature of an applicant’s social insurance record.

Under social welfare legislation, a self-employed contributor is regarded as satisfying the contribution conditions for State pension (contributory) where the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year prior to reaching pension age (currently 66 years), and all self-employment contributions payable are paid.

Where outstanding self-employment contributions are paid subsequent to an applicant reaching pension age, State pension (contributory) will be awarded from the date on which self-employment liabilities are deemed as discharged.

The person’s application was disallowed on 08 March 2022 as they have self-employment liabilities outstanding for the 2019 and 2020 tax years. They were informed of this decision in writing and advised to contact my Department when the liabilities are paid.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.