Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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342. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if it is envisaged that a person would qualify for State pension based on planned changes to the pension system (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50971/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 19 June 2020 and applied for a State Pension Contributory on 24 January 2020.

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 concerned has a total of 236 full-rate contributions. Since their contributions fall short of the requisite 520 paid full-rate contributions, they do not qualify for State pension (contributory).

As part of the series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system, I have introduced an enhanced State Pension provision from January 2024 for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years (1040 weeks). The periods of care-giving do not need to be consecutive.

If the person concerned has been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years, they can apply for the Long-Term Carers Contributions (LTCC). If the criteria are met, the equivalent of paid contributions may be attributed to cover gaps in their contribution record.

The quickest way to apply for Long-Term Carers Contributions is online at MyWelfare.ie if you have a verified MyGovID account.

Further information about the changes in State pension (contributory) and Long-Term Carers Contributions are available on the Government website at gov.ie/pension

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.