Pension Provisions.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Questions (743)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

812 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the practice of issuing forecasts of contribution entitlements in respect of old age pension applications has been suspended in view of the fact that the procedure whereby an application has to be made in the first instance, the full process undertaken and a further review of contribution entitlements thereby causing hardship to applicants and long administrative delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2182/10]

Written answers

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)

The Department has not suspended the practice of providing a history of contribution entitlements to customers. On request, a customer will be provided with a copy of their full social insurance contribution history, together with the booklet ‘Working It Out', to assist them in assessing their possible pension entitlement. This enables a customer to review their contribution history. Should they identify any ‘gaps' in their record, they can have these investigated and rectified in advance of pension application stage.

Question No. 813 answered with Question No. 118.