Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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538. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a pension in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35998/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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State pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, legally and habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a State pension (contributory), or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record. For the purposes of the means test, at application stage and through the lifetime of a claim, an applicant must provide full and up to date details of any income(s), asset(s), savings and investment(s) held and inform the Department of any relevant changes in their circumstances that may affect their pension entitlement. A State pension (non-contributory) application form was received from the person concerned on 23 April 2024. The case was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector to investigate the applicant's means. The Inspector's report included confirmation that the person concerned owned a property that they were not residing in. The Deciding Officer included the value of this property in the assessment of means, when calculating their entitlement, and disallowed their claim on 4 June 2024 as their means exceeded the weekly statutory limit.A subsequent application was received from the person concerned on 1 April 2025. On consulting with the Inspector, the Deciding Officer awarded the pension with effect from 4 April 2025. The Deciding Officer applied the provision that the person concerned vacated their principal residence as a consequence of their old age or incapacity. The value of the property value was not included in the assessment of means.A review of the person’s entitlement was undertaken. It was decided to award the pension with effect from 10 May 2024, the first Friday following the date the person concerned reached pension age. A decision letter issued on 26 June 2025, outlining the decision and offering them the right of appeal should they disagree with the decision. All arrears due will be paid to their nominated bank account on Friday 4 July

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.