Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a pension based on joint contributions, or combination of contributions and means test in respect of the old age pension in the case of a person (details supplied) can be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29058/23]
View answerState pension contributory is payable from age 66, to applicants who satisfy certain eligibility conditions based on the number of social insurance contributions (paid and credited) they hold, over their working life. In certain cases, where an applicant has had periods of insurable employment both in Ireland and in another EU Member State or country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, they may have an entitlement to a pro-rata state pension contributory based on an assessment of their combined Irish and foreign social insurance periods. The person concerned does not have any record of insurable employment in Ireland and therefore does not satisfy the eligibility conditions for state pension contributory.
State pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, legally and habitually residing in the state, who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.
There is no Irish state pension payment based on a combination of social insurance contributions and a means test.
The person concerned submitted an application for state pension non-contributory on 17 April 2023. Taking into account a report from an Inspector of the Department, received on 12 May 2023, together with some further information provided in relation to residency in the state, a Deciding Officer disallowed the person’s application as the habitual residency condition was not deemed satisfied.
The person concerned was notified, in writing, of this decision on 13 June 2023 and of their right to request a review of the decision, or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
