Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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397. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the social insurance date of entry and State pension (contributory) of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6714/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 14 October 2018.

Calculation of entitlement to State pension (contributory) is based on their social insurance record from their date of entry into insurable employment until pension age.

PRSI for self-employed was introduced from 6 April 1988. Under social welfare legislation, if an applicant became a self-employed contributor on 6 April 1988, and at any time prior to that date was an employed contributor, the date on which the applicant first entered into insurance or the 6 April 1988, whichever is the more favourable to them, shall be regarded as the date of entry into insurance.

According to the records of my Department the person concerned commenced paying class A contributions in 1972 and self-employment (class S) contributions in 1988. As there are gaps in the person's social insurance record from 1972 to 1988, it is financially more beneficial to regard the date of entry as 6 April 1988 when they began paying class S social insurance.

The person concerned was awarded State Pension (contributory) from 14 October 2018 at the current weekly rate of €225.90. This equates to 85% of the current maximum rate of pension. This is the correct rate of pension commensurate with the social insurance record held by my Department. This decision was based on their self-employment contributions and credits from 6th April1988 to their 66th birthday.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.