Firstly I never said the SPS was “gold plated”.
Secondly, I stand by my original point, the individual will qualify for the State Social Welfare Pension based on his A Class PRSI record. His benefits from the separate Occupational Pension Scheme (SPS), even on a career average basis will be in addition to the State SW Pension. Irrespective of whether the SPS is “integrated” or not, the individual will get will get two Pensions, State + SPS (though the SPS will likely be small with short service).