Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 October 2021
338. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if the UK contributions of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry were considered in the assessment of their State pension (contributory) rate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49503/21]
View answerThe person concerned reached pension age on 25 March 2011. According to the records of my Department, they had a total of 867 full-rate contributions and credits from their date of entry into insurable employment (25 March 1961) until end-December 2010 which gives a yearly average of 17. They were awarded a standard State Pension (contributory), based solely on their Irish contribution record, at 75% of the maximum rate of pension. They were notified of this decision in writing on 3 February 2011 and provided with a copy of the social insurance record on which this decision was based.
Under European Union regulations, the insurance records of other Member States can be combined to determine entitlement to a proportional or pro rata pension. The person’s entitlement to a pro rata State pension (contributory), based on their combined Irish and UK contribution records was also investigated. However, since they had been awarded a higher rate of standard State pension (contributory) with effect from their 66th birthday, that rate remained in payment.
Therefore, the person concerned is in receipt of the most financially beneficial rate of State pension (contributory) commensurate with their social insurance record.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
