Thanks Tentman,
Still a bit confused though.
Called Social welfare but the guy there said that 10 years missing contributions (at Class A1) would negatively affect State (Contributory) Pension and other entitlements to some degree- seems to be no facility for projected estimation of this.
Registering for credits was recommended but you have to satisfy Social Welfare that you are actively seeking employment- where's the retirement in that ? Any further advice very welcome.