Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Oct 1996

Vol. 469 No. 5

Written Answers. - Refund of PRSI Contributions.

Michael Ring

Question:

200 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is refunded his PRSI contributions over an eight year period in view of the fact that he has been informed he will not qualify for a State pension or any State benefit by virtue of these payments; and whether it would be possible for him to make additional payments to secure a pension. [17726/96]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

In order to qualify for a contributory old age pension at age 66, a person is required to have been in insurable employment or insurable self-employment before reaching age 56. The person concerned was self-employed and was 62 years of age when he entered social insurance for the first time in 1988. His total contributions amounted to 156. Hence, he is not entitled to a contributory old age pension.

Normally self-employed persons who enter social insurance after age 56 can claim a refund of the pension element of their PRSI, provided that they are not entitled to, or in receipt of, a non-contributory old age pension.

The person concerned claimed and was awarded a non-contributory old age pension with effect from 19 March 1993 which is currently payable at a weekly rate of £36.50. Accordingly, he is not entitled to a refund. He has paid three years contributions up to the time he reached pensionable age. The contributions paid are sufficient to provide entitlement to widow's and widower's contributory pension. Under current legislation there is no provision for the payment of additional contributions which would enable him to qualify for an old age contributory pension.