State Pensions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022

Thursday, 8 September 2022

Ceisteanna (1078, 1082)

Matt Shanahan

Ceist:

1078. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Social Protection if previous Northern Ireland pension contributions made in the UK qualify or are recognised as contributions in the Republic of Ireland for assessment of old age pension entitlements, given the proposal to amend the number of contributions required to be eligible for a full old age pension in Ireland and the passing of Brexit legislation in the United Kingdom; if she will advise that previous pre-Brexit UK contributions will be recognised in Ireland and the processes required for a resident in Ireland to make an application for a contributory pension on this basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42368/22]

David Cullinane

Ceist:

1082. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will advise on a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42419/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1078 and 1082 together.

The Withdrawal Agreement concluded between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) established the terms of the UK's orderly withdrawal from the EU, in accordance with Article 50 of the Treaty of the European Union.

That Agreement contains provisions for the Coordination of Social Security systems, and includes special situations, for persons who were subject to the social security legislation of the UK prior to the end of the transition period on 31st December 2020.

This means that the UK social security contributions made by the person concerned shall be taken into account in accordance with Regulation (EC) 883 of 2004, and may continue to be aggregated with Irish social security contributions for the purpose of supporting an entitlement to an Irish State Pension Contributory (SPC), just as before.

Within six months of the person becoming eligible for the State Pension, they should apply for a SPC using the application form that is available online at gov.ie - State Pension (Contributory) Application Form (SPC1) (www.gov.ie) and indicate in the relevant section of the application form that UK contributions have also been made. 

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.