Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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439. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if it is possible for an Irish citizen and resident, who previously lived in Australia and obtained Australian citizenship, to receive an Australian state pension; whether the procedure for applying to receive this must also involve her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6241/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The question of whether an Irish resident or citizen is entitled to an Australian state pension is a matter the individual should take up with the relevant Australian agency. Enquiries on Australian social security contributions can be directed to their Centrelink International Services at;

Services AustraliaInternational ServicesPO Box 7809CANBERRA BC ACT 2610Australia

However, if the individual is seeking to combine social security contributions paid into the Australian pension system with full-rate social security contributions paid into the Irish pension system, as part of an Irish pension application, the application will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Irish pension scheme and, the conditions provided for in the existing bilateral agreement between Ireland and Australia. Enquiries on Irish state pensions can be directed to Social Welfare Services at;

Department of Social Protection

College Road

SligoCo. SligoF91 T384

Ireland

Email: state.con@welfare.ie

Phone number: 071-9157100 / 0818-200400

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.