Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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463. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was not awarded a full State pension (contributory); the options available to them at this time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15219/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 22nd December 2003.

According to the records of my Department, they have a total of 330 total reckonable contributions from 1988 to 2003 which equates to a yearly average of 19 contributions. This gives entitlement to a reduced State Pension (contributory) at the current weekly rate of €199.00. This is the correct rate commensurate with the social insurance record as held by my Department.

A yearly average of 48 contributions is required to receive the maximum rate State Pension (contributory) of €265.30.

I have arranged for a copy of the person’s social insurance record to issue to them. If the person considers that additional contributions or credits have not been recorded, it is open to them to forward documentary evidence to my Department and their pension entitlement will be reviewed.

It is also open to them to apply for the means-tested State Pension (non-contributory), the maximum rate of which is over 95% of the maximum rate of the State Pension (contributory). I have arranged for a State Pension non-contributory application form to issue to the person.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.