Vol. 480 No. 2
278 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a full review of entitlements to contributory old age pension has been completed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if a revised decision has been reached in view of recently supplied information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14050/97]
Prior to the review of his insurance record, the person concerned had failed to qualify for old age contributory pension as his yearly average of 18 contributions was too low — a minimum of 20 contributions is required to qualify.
A full review of his insurance record commenced in March 1996. This entailed interviews with the person concerned with regard to his employment since 1953 and a thorough investigation, where available, of the employment records of his former employers. This review was completed recently. The investigation concluded that his original PRSI record was correct and that there are no additional contributions due. Consequently, the decision not to award a standard rate old age contributory pension still stands.
However, the person concerned will qualify for a pro rata old age contributory pension under new legislation which comes into effect from 21 November 1997. Based on his yearly average contribution of 18, he will be entitled then to a pension of £58.50 per week. A pension book for this amount will be issued to his local post office in good time for payment by 21 November 1997.
