Written answers
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
Social Welfare Eligibility
Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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660. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will provide the exact credits and entitlements for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61276/25]
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 7 March 2025.
To qualify for the standard State pension (contributory), a minimum of 520 full-rate paid contributions is required. The records of my Department show that the person concerned has 390 full-rate paid contributions which falls short of the minimum requirement.
Their entitlement to a mixed insurance contributory pension has now been examined. Records show the person concerned has 390 full-rate paid contributions, 88 full-rate credited contributions, 211 Home Caring Periods, 1016 modified-rate paid contributions and 26 modified-rate credited contributions. This gives entitlement to 33.14% of the maximum rate of pension or €95.90 per week. A decision letter issued on 6 November 2025 to confirm the award of this pension with effect from their 66th birthday. The first payment and arrears will issue on 14 November 2025.
A request has issued to the UK pension authorities for a copy of the person's UK record. Once this information is received, their entitlement to a pro-rata pension, using their Irish and UK contributions, will be examined.
It is also open to the person concerned to apply for State pension (non contributory). This is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, legally and habitually living in the State, who do not qualify for State pension (contributory), or who qualify for a reduced rate of contributory pension based on their social insurance record. The person concerned can apply online on MyWelfare.ie. I have also arranged for a State pension (non-contributory) application form to issue.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
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