Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
286. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection to indicate, notwithstanding replies to previous Parliamentary Questions on behalf of a person (details supplied), whether the circumstances might be urgently considered with a view to granting the pension in question given the evidence already submitted and being submitted, and that they continue to be a medical card holder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33396/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in previous Parliamentary Question replies, state pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over who have a legal right of residence and habitually reside in the state, and who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or only qualify for a reduced-rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.
An Irish state pension application can only be awarded when the deciding officer is satisfied that all the eligibility conditions for the scheme are met. Entitlement to a medical card is not linked to state pension conditionality.
As the Deputy is aware, the state pension claim of the person concerned is being reviewed. On 19 June 2023, the Deciding Officer wrote to the person, setting out the evidential requirements to assess their satisfaction of the habitual residency condition, in order to determine their eligibility.
On receipt of the requested documentation, the Deciding Officer will complete their review and the person will be notified of the outcome in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
