Finian McGrath
Ceist:693 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding Irish citizens abroad receiving State pensions (details supplied). [48538/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 12 January 2011
Ceisteanna (641)
Freagraí scríofa
The table below shows the numbers of Irish citizens currently living abroad who are in receipt of a State pension.
|
State Pension Transition |
State Pension Contributory |
Widow(er)’s Contributory Pension |
|
|
England |
121 |
12,483 |
1,254 |
|
US |
35 |
3,876 |
244 |
|
Australia |
72 |
1,745 |
132 |
|
Other |
308 |
9,618 |
423 |
|
Totals |
536 |
27,722 |
2,053 |
These State pensions are based on an individual's social insurance record, and accordingly can be paid to any person who fulfils the qualifying criteria, regardless of their country of residence.
The total value of weekly State pension (transition) and State pension (contributory) payments to people residing abroad is in the region of €130 million per annum. It is not possible at this time to ascertain the exact value of payments to widow(ers) category.