The legislation governing voluntary contributions is contained in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 and Statutory Instrument 312/1996.
The acceptance criteria for the voluntary contributions scheme currently requires applicants
- To submit an application within 60 months (5 years) of the end of the year in which they last paid, or were credited with a social insurance contribution
- To have a minimum of 520 compulsory paid contributions prior to application
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned last paid compulsory PRSI in 1980 and has a total of 491 reckonable contributions.
In the circumstances, she cannot be admitted as a Voluntary Contributor, as a considerably longer period of time has elapsed beyond the prescribed 60 month limit and she has paid less than the required 520 compulsory PRSI contributions.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.