Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2459. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a pension calculation based on isolated Irish contributions only or isolated UK contributions only would yield a higher State pension payment than a person's (details supplied) current payment based on combined Irish and UK contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33002/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a total of 129 full-rate paid Irish contributions. Based on their Irish contribution history only, the person does not qualify for an Irish state pension (contributory). A minimum of 520 full-rate paid contributions is required for entitlement to standard state pension (contributory), with a minimum of 260 full-rate paid contributions required for entitlement to a mixed insurance pro-rata pension.
Under European Union Regulations, a person’s social insurance record in one or more EU countries can be combined with their Irish social insurance record, to determine entitlement to a pro-rata pension. As the person concerned has a UK social insurance record, their entitlement to an EU pro-rata state pension (contributory) was examined. The person concerned was awarded an EU (mixed insurance) pro-rata state pension (contributory), based on their full rate and modified rate Irish social insurance contributions, together with their EU social insurance contributions. The person was notified in writing of this decision on 15 March 2018, and arrears due were issued on that date.
The person concerned is in receipt of a reduced rate state pension from the UK. Enquiries regarding qualification for, and review of, UK pension entitlement based on a person’s UK insurance record should be directed to the UK’s Department of Work and Pensions.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
