Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
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1400. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if further to the review of the non-contributory pension for a person (details supplied) a contributory pension can be considered; if a record of contributions will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46578/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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An application for State pension (contributory) was received from the person concerned on 10 February 2015.

To be eligible for the State pension (contributory), an individual must have at least 520 paid contributions. The records of my Department show the person concerned has 348 paid contributions which falls short of the minimum requirement. I have arranged for a copy of their contribution record to issue.

If the person concerned has been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years, they can apply for long-term carers contributions (LTCC). The periods of caregiving do not need to be consecutive. If the criteria are met, the equivalent of paid contributions may be attributed to cover gaps in their contribution record for the State pension (contributory). Their State pension (contributory) entitlement would be reviewed at this stage.

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.

The decision on the non-contributory pension has been appealed and is currently with the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office for decision.

I have also arranged for an application form for the Household Benefits Package to issue to the person concerned.