Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
570. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases in which the relevant contributions for the State old age pension have been refunded in which the applicant did not qualify on contribution grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26551/21]
View answerWhere a person enters the social insurance system over the age of 56 they will not be able to make sufficient social insurance contributions to be awarded a State Pensions (Contributory) on reaching 66 years of age because it has a minimum contribution requirement of 520 contributions (i.e., 10 years). In such cases a level of social insurance refund may be applicable.
The Department made two such refunds in 2021 to date.
Further analysis of our records is required to extract similar information for the years 2017-2020 inclusive, as requested by the Deputy (in subsequent clarification). Once extracted, the information will be sent to the Deputy's office.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
