Catherine Murphy
Question:205. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the position in respect of a person's pension entitlement (details supplied). [15978/23]
View answerThursday, 30 March 2023
Questions (205)
Written answers
It appears from the details provided that the person's question relates to their occupational pension in the public health service rather than to the state pension. Therefore, the retirement age and pension entitlements relating to her employment are a matter for the Minister for Health. More broadly, matters relating to the pension entitlements of public servants generally are a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. I understand that a Notional Service Purchase scheme is available which enables nurses and other public servants to buy extra years of service in order to enhance their occupational pension. Accordingly, the notional service purchased would relate to her occupational pension only, and is not applicable to any Department of Social Protection scheme or payment.
For information, to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory), a person must have entered the social insurance system before their 56th birthday and have paid a minimum of 520 qualifying contributions. Contributions paid at Classes B, C or D, i.e., those made by public servants recruited before 6 April 1994, are not qualifying contributions. Only those who have the minimum of 520 paid contributions may avail of PRSI credits or homecaring periods to enhance the rate at which they are paid the State Pension (Contributory).
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.