Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
1215. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the preparation of legislation to facilitate reviews for those in receipt of contributory pensions post-2012 that took time out to care for family; when these reviews will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35675/18]
View answerOn 23 January last, this Government agreed to a proposal that will allow pensioners affected by the 2012 changes in rate bands to have their pension entitlement calculated on a Total Contributions basis, including provision for up to 20 years of a new home caring credit.
Legislation has to be drafted and enacted to enable implementation of these arrangements, and a number of options regarding the best approach to passing that legislation are being considered. In addition, an information technology system has to be developed in line with the legislation. My Department is currently working on both of these. As I've said previously, it is still planned to commence the reviews before the end of this year, with the first payments being made in the first quarter of 2019. In this regard, the commitment we made in January for the payments to be dated from 26 March last still stands.
It is not necessary for people to contact the Department on this matter. Once the legislation is enacted and the systems and processes are ready, my Department will write to the people impacted and provide them with the opportunity to have their pension calculation reviewed.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
