I introduced regulations in November 1991 enabling people who, as a result of having been insured for periods in public service type employment at the modified rate of social insurance contribution, have gaps in their record of insurance for old age contributory pension and retirement pension purposes, to qualify for pension. These arrangements provide that in cases of a "mixed" insurance record a pro-rata pension is payable, which is proportionate to the periods of insurance completed at the full rate. Any increases of pension payable in respect of an adult dependant are calculated on a similar basis.
These arrangements are similar to those which apply under EC regulations to people who have mixed insurance in a number of different EC member states. A similar formula applies under various reciprocal agreements on social security to which Ireland is a party. Accordingly, this formula is regarded as the internationally recognised standard for the award of pensions in cases of mixed insurance.