Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
396. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which non-EU residents, working and living here and having paid tax here, cannot now qualify for a State (non-contributory) pension, even though they have worked here, paid their necessary contributions and taxes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8141/24]
View answerState Pension (Non-Contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, who have a legal right of residence and habitually reside in the State, and who do not qualify for State Pension contributory, or only qualify for a reduced-rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.
The eligibility conditions for State Pension (Non-Contributory) do not require the taking into account of the social insurance record of an applicant, based on any periods of employment they may have held in the state (or in any EU Member State or country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement).
As the State Pension (Non-Contributory) is a means-tested payment, income received from any pensions, including those from outside the State, will form part of the assessment.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
