Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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566. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if eligibility for a State pension (contributory) in the case of a person (details supplied) will be reassessed following the payments for 2019 and 2020 being paid in full; when a decision is likely to be reached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39329/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 02 April 2022.

The person concerned had outstanding self-employment liabilities for the years 2019 and 2020 and was advised on 08 March 2022 that they were deemed not to satisfy this qualifying condition for a State pension (Contributory).  The claim was reviewed on 30March 2022 and 02 June 2022; the liabilities remained outstanding.

Section 110 (1) of The Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended, provides that a Self-Employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions unless all outstanding self-employment contributions are paid. It further provides that the pension will only be paid from the date all outstanding contributions have been paid in full.

As of 05/07/2022 outstanding liabilities have been paid in full for 2019, however liabilities for 2020 remain outstanding. The person concerned should contact this Department directly, when their outstanding liabilities have been paid in full and their entitlement to a state pension (contributory) will be reviewed. 

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.