Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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408. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will provide an update on the contributory pension appeal by a person (details supplied), and if an oral hearing can be arranged. [9871/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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According to the records of my Department, the person concerned reached pension age on 13 August 2022 and applied for State pension (contributory) on 14 November 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.

According to the records of my Department, the person has a contribution record of 417 paid full-rate social insurance contributions. As their contributions fall short of the required 520 paid full-rate contributions to qualify for State Pension (contributory), their claim was disallowed. The person concerned was notified in writing on 21 November 2022 and provided with a copy of their social insurance record.

The person concerned appealed the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office which functions independently of my Department. My department was notified of the appeal on 21 February 2023 and officials are preparing the information requested by the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.