Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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1432. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will address the concerns raised in correspondence regarding State pension category (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19741/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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People who turn 66 are still able to retire at that age and draw down their pension in exactly the same way as they always have. However, since January 2024, a person now has the option to defer drawing down their state pension (contributory), to any time up the age of 70. Where a person defers drawing down this pension, they can continue to pay PRSI and increase their contribution record, which may enable them to qualify for state pension (contributory) or to access a higher rate of pension.

In relation to a person in receipt of widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's (contributory) pension, they can at the age of 66 apply for state pension (contributory) or remain on their existing pension. If they do not qualify or only qualify for a reduced rate of payment of state pension (contributory), they will remain on their existing pension, as it is payable at a more beneficial rate. Also, if they continue working or otherwise have a PRSI liability on their income after the age of 66 and to up age 70, this may enable them to increase their contribution record in order to qualify for the state pension (contributory) at a more beneficial rate than their existing pension.

In general, a person who receives an Approved Retirement Fund income; is born after 1 January 1958; is aged between 66 and 70; and not in receipt of the state pension (contributory), will be liable for social insurance contributions under PRSI class S on this income.

However, my Department's Scope section can assist with the particular queries raised by the person concerned. Scope section deals with people, or their representatives, who apply to have a person's income and circumstances considered to ensure that the correct class of PRSI is applied. If the person wishes, they may contact scope@welfare.ie to obtain a decision as to the appropriate PRSI class(es) liable on their incomes.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.