Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2018
334. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a full review of pension entitlements will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in respect of whom details of previous employment were supplied some time ago with regard to the determination of the person's entitlement to a higher rate of contributory old age pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5187/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned is in receipt of a reduced rate state pension (contributory) with effect from their 66th birthday, based on an assessed yearly average of 19 contributions, covering their working life from 1962 to 2010. According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a social insurance record of 919 reckonable contributions and credits, and is in receipt of the correct rate of contributory pension based on this social insurance record.
The person has no recorded contributions for the tax years 1969 to 1997/8 inclusive, and has fewer than the full rate of 52 contributions for a number of years during their contribution history. This affects their overall yearly average and, consequently, their rate of weekly pension entitlement.
The person was notified in writing of their pension award on 3 May 2011. Attached to that letter was a copy of their contribution record, as held by my Department and upon which their pension entitlement was calculated. The person has been requested on a number of occasions to provide details of any unrecorded periods of employment or self employment. No response has been received to date.
If the person concerned considers that they hold additional information which may impact on their pension eligibility, they should submit the details without delay to enable my Department to have the matter investigated.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
