Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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366. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application by a person (details supplied) for the State pension (contributory) could be reviewed according to section 110(2) of the legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56126/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 14 November 2020 and applied for State Pension (contributory) on 31 August 2020.  

According to the records of my Department, the person has a contribution record of 221 paid full-rate social insurance contributions.  As their contributions fell short of the required 520 paid full-rate contributions to qualify for State Pension (contributory), their claim was disallowed.  Their entitlement to a Mixed Insurance pro-rata State Pension (contributory) was also examined.  As they did not have the required 260 paid full-rate contributions to qualify, this claim was disallowed.  The person concerned was notified in writing on 06 October 2020 and provided with a copy of their social insurance record.

The person concerned appealed the decision on 11 November 2020; the appeal was disallowed, and they were notified of the outcome in writing.

My Department is currently reviewing entitlement and will write to the person concerned on completion of this review.

It is also open to the person concerned to apply for State pension (non-contributory), a means tested payment.  I have arranged for an application form to be issued to them. Social welfare legislation provides that the means test takes account of the income and assets of the applicant (and spouse/civil partner/cohabitant as applicable).  Income and assets include income from employment, self-employment, occupational pensions, maintenance payments as well as property owned (other than the family home) and capital such as savings, shares and other investments. 

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.