Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2023
160. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports available and if consideration is being given to help pensioners who will not qualify for a full State pension (contributory) on account of having a mixed insurance record with contributions paid in Ireland and abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34452/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Pension (Contributory) is payable, from age 66, to applicants who satisfy certain eligibility conditions based on the number of social insurance contributions (paid and credited) they hold over their working life. In certain cases, where an applicant has had periods of insurable employment both in Ireland and in another EU member state, or in a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, they may have an entitlement to a pro-rata State Pension (contributory).
To qualify for this pension, a person must have 520 paid social insurance contributions. Contributions paid in other EU member states and countries that Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement can be combined with social insurance contributions paid in Ireland to meet this minimum standard of 520. Ireland has bilateral social security agreements with the Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
If a person does not qualify for the State Pension (Contributory), or qualifies for a payment at a reduced rate, they may qualify for the State Pension (Non-contributory). The State Pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, legally and habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a State Pension (Contributory), or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
