Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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205. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will clarify the position in respect of a person's pension entitlement (details supplied). [15978/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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It appears from the details provided that the person's question relates to their occupational pension in the public health service rather than to the state pension. Therefore, the retirement age and pension entitlements relating to her employment are a matter for the Minister for Health. More broadly, matters relating to the pension entitlements of public servants generally are a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. I understand that a Notional Service Purchase scheme is available which enables nurses and other public servants to buy extra years of service in order to enhance their occupational pension. Accordingly, the notional service purchased would relate to her occupational pension only, and is not applicable to any Department of Social Protection scheme or payment.

For information, to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory), a person must have entered the social insurance system before their 56th birthday and have paid a minimum of 520 qualifying contributions. Contributions paid at Classes B, C or D, i.e., those made by public servants recruited before 6 April 1994, are not qualifying contributions. Only those who have the minimum of 520 paid contributions may avail of PRSI credits or homecaring periods to enhance the rate at which they are paid the State Pension (Contributory).

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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206. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the total pension amount received for the year ending 31 December 2022 by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16029/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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State pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, legally and habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.

A statement of the person’s state pension non-contributory payments has issued to them, in respect of the year ending 31 December 2022.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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207. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the total pension amount received for the year ending 31 December 2022 by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16030/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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State pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, legally and habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.

A statement of the person’s state pension non-contributory payments has been issued to them, in respect of the year ending 31 December 2022.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.