(1) Subject to these Regulations, where a contribution is paid in respect of a contribution week commencing on or from the 1st day of October, 1977 by an insured person who is an employed contributor or a voluntary contributor by virtue of section 21(1)(a) and whose entry into insurance occurred after he had attained the age of 56, the amount of such contribution calculated in accordance with sub-article (2) to have been paid in respect of State pension (contributory) shall be returned to the insured person if application to that effect is made in writing to the Minister within such time as he may determine.

(2) This article shall not apply to contributions paid by an employed contributor or a voluntary contributor who was insured at any time before he attained the age of 56 as an employed contributor under the National Health Insurance Acts, 1911 to 1952.