Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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152. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for the State pension by a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41706/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 19 January 2024.

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a total of 1,039 reckonable paid and 43 reckonable credited contributions. This gives entitlement to 85% of the maximum rate of State Pension (contributory) from their 66th birthday.

As the person concerned also worked in the UK, their entitlement to a pro-rata pension based on their Irish and UK record will be examined on receipt of their contribution record from the UK authorities. The person concerned will receive which ever payment is financially more beneficial to them.

Where a person reaches state pension age and qualifies for less than the maximum rate, it is open to them to apply for the state pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested payment with a maximum payment €266.00 which is approximately 95% of the maximum rate of State Pension (contributory).

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.