Claire Kerrane
Question:334. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of work to allow those without a full PRSI contribution record to continue to make contributions beyond pensionable age. [34090/21]
View answerThursday, 24 June 2021
Questions (334)
Written answers
Calculation of a person’s entitlement to State pension (contributory) is based on their social insurance record from their date of entry into insurable employment until pension age, currently 66 years. Any employment after a person’s 66th birthday is not reckonable for pension purposes nor is the employment liable to any PRSI contributions. Continued employment beyond pension age does not affect a person’s eligibility for State pension (contributory).
From April 2019, all new State pension contributory applications are assessed under all possible rate calculation methods, with the most beneficial rate paid to the pensioner.
As the Deputy is aware, a Commission on Pensions has been established to examine a range of issues with respect to the State Pension and options for the Government to consider and I assume that this is the work to which the Deputy refers.
The Pensions Commission was established to examine sustainability and eligibility issues with the State Pension system and the Social Insurance Fund, in fulfilment of a Programme for Government commitment. Details of the Commission’s work, such as minutes and agendas, are available on its website, pensionscommission.gov.ie. I expect that, in accordance with its Terms of Reference, the Commission will be submitting its report on its work to me in the near future. The Government intends to take action having regard to the recommendations of the Commission within 6 months of receipt of the report.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.