Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 July 2021
173. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection the outcome of calculations of all new State pension contributory applications from April 2019 who were assessed under all possible rate calculation methods including the new total contributions approach; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35335/21]
View answerMy Department applies a number of tests in respect of each claim to State Pension Contributory in order to provide the highest level of pension possible to the customer, based on their contribution record. These include tests on the yearly average contributions paid and credited and also a total contributions test. Once a record is found that qualifies the person to receive the maximum rate of pension, the process completes and a decision is issued to them. Otherwise, the person is awarded the highest rate possible, based on the outcome of the range of eligibility tests.Eligibility tests are applied at the individual level; that is on an individual customer/claim basis. I regret that it is not possible to aggregate the data to match the request as set out in the question.I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
