2055. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Social Protection to consider the requirement in forms for a State Pension (contributory) to provide details of workplaces of an applicant, the periods they worked in specific workplaces and their roll numbers; the reason such information is requested when an applicant is incapacitated and the form is being completed on their behalf; if State records of their PRSI contributions could be reviewed for the purposes of acquiring this information; his views on the need to ensure that persons who are incapacitated by illness are not unfairly barred from accessing a State pension; and to make a statement on the matter. [62248/26]

A Contribution Statement is a summary of a person’s social insurance record in Ireland. This includes all contributions up to the end of the last tax year along with any credits they may have. A person can request their contribution statement online at [www.MyWelfare.ie].

When applying for State Pension Contributory online, applicants can view their contribution statement. If they are satisfied that the record is correct, they are not required to provide any details on their employment history in the State.

To support this process, customers are advised approximately six months before reaching pension age to review their contribution statement and to contact the Department if they identify any omissions or inaccuracies. This helps ensure that the Department holds a complete and accurate record when a person applies for their pension.

While customers apply using a paper application form, they are asked to provide details of their employment history. However, there is no requirement to complete this section where they have already reviewed their contribution statement and are satisfied that it is accurate.

In some cases, including where a person has worked in the civil or public service, further information may be required to enable the Department to obtain and verify employment and contribution records from the relevant Department/public body.

My Department recognises that completing an application form can be difficult where a person is ill or otherwise incapacitated. In such circumstances, assistance in completing the application is available in my Departments Intreo Offices, social welfare branch offices and in citizen information centres. In all cases, applying online is the quickest and most straightforward way to claim a State Pension.

My Department remains committed to ensuring that all customers can access their entitlements as quickly and efficiently as possible.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.