When your in paid employment your paying prsi. If you have worked for a min of ten years or paid 520 stamps you maybe eligible for a State Contributory pension and it's value will depend on the number of stamps you paid. If you worked abroad or in the UK the stamps you paid their may be considered also. If you worked abroad ring the pensions section in Donegal and they can advise you further on allowing this for an Irish pension.
Another thing to be aware of is if your not in paid employment at the moment and you may be able to make Voluntary Contributions once your under 66 years of age. This contribution will only be toward your pension. If you contact the following
Client Eligibility Services
Department of Social Protection,
McCarter's Road,
Buncrana,
Donegal,
Co. Donegal,
F93 CH79
Tel: (01) 471 5898 or 0818 690690
Give them your name, address and pps number. They can advise you if you're eligible to apply for this. You fill in a VC1 form.
I just know about the voluntary contributions as one of my friends is doing this at the moment. I know they had to wait a few weeks for a reply after sending in the VC1 form but they could back date this for 4 year's. They get a bill for X amount each year and have to pay it by EFT by a certain date.