Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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299. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the entitlement to an increase in pension and the basis of the entitlement of a person (details supplied) from another EU member state; the entitlement they might qualify for here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18872/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 1 January 2020.

Under current eligibility conditions, an individual must have at least 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State Pension (Contributory).

To qualify for a pension under EU Regulations, an individual must have full-rate paid contributions in Ireland and in one or more EU member states. The insurance records of other Member States can then be combined with the Irish full-rate contributions to satisfy the 520-contribution condition. The rate of entitlement is based on the proportion of Irish full-rate contributions to the person’s total combined Irish and EU social insurance contributions.

As the person concerned does not have full-rate contributions in Ireland, they cannot be considered for a State Pension (Contributory) under EU Regulations.

If the person considers that they have contributions or credits in Ireland which have not been recorded, they can forward documentary evidence to my Department and their pension entitlement will be reviewed.

On 18 April 2023, an application was received for a State Pension (Non-contributory). This is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, legally and habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a contributory State Pension, or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record. This application is currently being assessed. On completion of this, the person concerned will be notified of the decision in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.