Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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495. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4331/23]

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

Their application for State Pension Contributory was received on 10 October 2022.  Following an examination of their insurance record it was noted that the person concerned had outstanding self-employment liabilities for the year 2019.

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. 

On 12 January 2023 it was confirmed that outstanding liabilities were discharged in full on 12 January 2023.  The State Pension (contributory) was awarded from 12 January 2023 and the person concerned was notified in writing on 30 January 2023.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy. 

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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496. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for the fuel allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4336/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Fuel Allowance is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household.  The payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) is paid from late September to April.

The Fuel Allowance for the person concerned was awarded from 06 January 2023.  They were notified in writing on 26 January 2023.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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497. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for fuel allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4568/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Fuel Allowance is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household.  The payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) is paid from late September to April.

The Fuel Allowance for the person concerned was awarded from 06 January 2023.  They were notified in writing on 26 January 2023.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.