Since late September 2018, my Department has been examining the social insurance records of approximately 90,000 pensioners, born on or after 1 September 1946, who have a reduced rate State pension contributory entitlement based on post Budget 2012 rate-bands. These payments are being reviewed under a new Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to pension calculation which includes provision for homecaring periods.
To date, 117 temporary staff have been recruited to complete the pension reviews. A further 6 temporary staff are expected to be recruited in the coming weeks. The review work is managed by four managers, who are permanent members of staff within my Department.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.