Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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400. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will provide an update on the contributory pension review of a person (details supplied). [3131/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 31 March 2014. An application for State Pension (contributory) was received on 25 May 2022.

Under current eligibility conditions, an individual must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory). 520 full-rate contributions equate to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment. Factors such as an individual’s social insurance record, their attachment to the workforce, and their countries of employment affect the rate of pension entitlement.

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a total of 450 paid full-rate social insurance contributions. Since their contributions fall short of the requisite 520 paid full-rate contributions, they do not qualify for State pension (contributory).

They were notified in writing of this decision on 13 June 2022, provided with a copy of their social insurance record on which the decision was based, and afforded the right of review and/or appeal. Upon receipt of further information, a review of their contribution history record can be carried out and their entitlement to State Pension (contributory) re-examined, if applicable.

It is also open to them to apply for State Pension (non-contributory). This is a means-tested payment with the maximum rate set at approximately 95% of the state pension (contributory) rate.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.