Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2021
432. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for the State pension (contributory) by a person (details supplied) will be determined in view of the fact that it has been ongoing since October 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57379/21]
View answerThe person concerned applied for State pension (contributory) on 14 October 2020, in advance of their 66th birthday on 2 December 2020.
In order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory) based solely on an applicant’s Irish social insurance record, a minimum of 520 full-rate paid contributions are required. According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a total of 86 full-rate Irish contributions. The person’s application was disallowed for standard State Pension (contributory). They were notified of this decision in writing on 11 November 2020 and provided with a copy of the social insurance record on which this decision was based.
Under European Union regulations, the insurance records of other Member States can be combined to determine entitlement to a proportional or pro rata pension. The Protocol on Social Security with the UK provides for the assessment of old-age benefits on a similar basis to EU Regulations. The person’s entitlement to a pro rata State pension (contributory), based on their combined Irish, Italian and UK contribution records is currently under examination.
My Department has received the person’s Italian contribution record. The person’s UK contribution record is awaited. My Department has been in ongoing contact with the UK Department of Work and Pensions in this regard, and has been advised that confirmation of the person’s UK employment is awaited from HM Revenue and Customs in order to verify the person’s UK record.
As soon as the required information is provided, a decision can be made on the person’s entitlement to a pro rata State pension (contributory) and they will be notified accordingly in writing.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
