526. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is an update on a non-contributory pension review on behalf of a constituent (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51621/26]

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 State pension contributory, or who only qualify for a reduced rate state pension contributory based on their social insurance record.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of the maximum rate State pension non-contributory of €298.00.

A routine review of the person’s entitlement was initiated on 20 April 2026. Following an initial review of the response received from the person concerned, a Natural Justice letter has been issued on 06 July informing them that based on the evidence submitted to my Department, their means exceed the statutory limit to qualify for state pension non-contributory. It also affords them a right of reply.

An application for state pension contributory was received on 11 June from the person concerned. It has now been determined that the person concerned is entitled to a reduced rate state pension contributory at a weekly rate of €159.70. As they are currently in receipt of a higher rate of payment on the state pension non-contributory, this will remain in payment, pending the outcome of the review of this entitlement.