John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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273. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is entitled to a full State pension in their own right; and if their current welfare benefit is being paid at the correct rate. [23970/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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According to the records of the Department the person has a total of 938 full rate paid and credited contributions for the period 1960/61 to 2010. This is equivalent to a yearly average of 18 which qualifies her for a reduced rate pension currently payable at €190.00.

A yearly average of 48 is required for entitlement to a maximum rate pension. The person’s total contribution figure includes 36 British contributions transferred from the British Department of Work and Pension. The person has a gap in her insurance record from 1971 to 2001, and this has resulted in her reduced yearly average.

The person is in receipt of the correct rate of pension based on the contribution history held by the Department. The person was sent a copy of her pension decision letter which includes a copy of her insurance record. If they consider that they have additional contributions that have not been recorded, it is open to the person to forward documentary evidence of the missing periods of employment to the Department and her pension entitlement will be reviewed.

It is open for the person to apply for state pension non-contributory if they wish to do so. This is a means tested payment which is based on household means.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.