Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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324. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the maximum rate of State pension (contributory) a person (details supplied) qualifies for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23864/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 30 March 2017.

According to the records of my department, the person concerned has a total of 1,632 reckonable contributions from 1966 to 2017 giving a yearly average of 32. They were awarded a reduced rate state pension (contributory) which is currently payable at the weekly rate of €249.30.

Following the introduction of a new calculation method, the 'Total Contribution Approach' in 2019 the person’s claim was reviewed, however it was financially more beneficial for them to remain on the rate awarded using the 'yearly average' calculation.

I have arranged for a statement of the person’s social insurance record to issue to them. If they consider that they have additional contributions or credits that have not been recorded, it is open to them to forward documentary evidence to Social Welfare Services office, College Road, Sligo, F91 T384 and their pension entitlement can be reviewed.

My Department introduced a number of reforms to the state pension (contributory) including a provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years (1040 weeks).

If the person concerned has been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years, they can apply for 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 periods of caregiving do not need to be consecutive.

The quickest way to apply for LTCCs is online at MyWelfare.ie if the person has a verified MyGovID account. Further information is available on the Government website at gov.ie/pensions.

It is also open to the person concerned to apply for the State Pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested payment with a maximum payment of €266.00 per week.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.