Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 November 2017
211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if eligibility for a State pension contributory will be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); her plans to review circumstances such as in the case of this person in the interest of equality and fairness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47214/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a total of 442 paid full-rate social insurance contributions. As this is less than 520 full-rate social insurance contributions, one of the qualifying conditions for state pension (contributory), the person is not entitled to the state pension (contributory) and was notified in writing of this decision on 23 November 2015.
Where a person who has been engaged in caring duties applies for state pension (contributory) their entitlement to the homemaker’s scheme may be examined. The homemaker’s scheme will not, of itself, qualify a person for a state pension (contributory). The qualifying conditions for the pension must also be satisfied, requiring a person to have entered insurable employment before the age of 56, have paid a minimum of 520 full-rate social insurance contributions (credited contributions do not satisfy this condition) and achieve a yearly average of at least 10. As the person concerned does not satisfy the qualifying conditions for state pension (contributory), the homemaker’s scheme is not applicable in this case.
If the person concerned feels that there are any periods of employment which have not been accounted for in the social insurance record they should send documentary evidence to my Department and the matter will be investigated.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
