I can confirm to the Deputy that there has been no change in practice in this respect. The Department will carry out a review of the record of any person who makes contact, advising of the possibility that contributions may be missing from their social insurance record.
Such a review can take a number of forms, depending on the nature of the issues raised; and can include (but is not limited to) the following;
- Examination of any documentation provided by the person concerned,
- A full check of the Department’s systems for the employment,
- A check for Revenue returns relating to the period in question,
- Referral to a social welfare inspector for a full investigation into the period concerned.
All cases where contributions may be missing are investigated in full; and in each case a decision as to the outcome for the customer’s social insurance record is made and communicated back to the customer.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.