Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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670. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider expanding access to the State pension for those on a Stamp D who have worked their entire career in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54908/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Civil and public sector employees recruited prior to 6 April 1995 pay social insurance contributions at modified rates under classes B, C and D. Amongst the class B contributors are permanent and pensionable civil servants and Gardaí; the class C contributors are commissioned army officers and members of the army nursing service; and the class D contributors include permanent and pensionable employees in the public service other than those insured at classes B and C. All civil and public servants recruited from 6 April 1995 pay social insurance at the standard class A rate.

Prior to 6 April 1995, civil and public servants did not have access to the full range of social insurance benefits as their terms of employment protected them against the main contingencies of illness and old age, and the risk of unemployment was not considered a factor due to the nature of their employment.

Consequently, such contributors pay less in social insurance contributions in return for fewer social insurance benefits. For example, class D contributors currently pay a contribution at the rate of 0.9% on their weekly earnings up to €1,443 and 4% on weekly earnings over that amount and their employers pay a contribution of 2.35% on all employee earnings. Class D contributors are currently entitled to widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's (contributory) pension, guardian's payment (contributory), occupational injuries benefits, parent's benefit and carer's benefit.

In contrast, civil and public servants recruited from 6 April 1995 pay a class A social insurance contribution of 4% on their weekly earnings and their employers pay a contribution of 8.8% where employees’ weekly earnings are €410 or less and 11.05% where their employees’ weekly earnings exceed €410. Class A contributors have access to the full range of social insurance benefits.

While the modified rates of social insurance under classes B, C and D do not give entitlement to the State pension (contributory), such contributors may, subject to a means test, qualify for the State pension (non-contributory).

Social insurance contributions are made in accordance with the legislation and the employment terms and conditions in force at the time they are made and eligibility for social insurance benefits flow from that.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.