Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021
352. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the advice for a person who has been refused a contributory pension due to the fact their contributions for working prior to becoming a homemaker cannot be located by her Department (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25408/21]
View answerMy Department holds contributor's social insurance records. Since 1979, social insurance contributions are collected and returned to my Department under the Revenue PAYE system. Prior to this, social insurance contributions were collected by means of social insurance cards being stamped by employers for each week of employment and returned to the Department. All social insurance records, except those of full-time civil servants for the period pre-1979, are held by my Department.
If a person believes there is a period of employment which is not reflected in their social insurance record, they should contact my Department outlining, in as much detail as is possible, the circumstances of the employment. That detail should, where possible, include the name of the employer, the period of time the person worked with the employer and any other relevant information which the person may have. If the person has any documentary evidence, such as P60 or P45 forms or payslips relating to the employment, a copy of such evidence should also be submitted. This information should be provided to the following address: Client Eligibility Services, Department of Social Protection, McCarter’s Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal.
On receipt of this information, my Department will investigate to ascertain if contributions are missing from the person's social insurance record. If the investigation confirms that contributions are due, the person's record will be amended accordingly. On that basis, the State pension (contributory) entitlement of the person concerned can be reviewed and they will be notified in writing of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
