Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2019
898. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons negatively impacted by the changes in the criteria contributions for the State (contributory) pension. [30654/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 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.
Reviews commenced from 13 February 2019, the day after I signed the necessary Regulations which, together with provisions in the Social Welfare, Pensions and Civil Registrations Act 2018, allows the increased payments to be made. As at 4 July 2019, 77,193 reviews have been completed. Of these, 32,307 pensioners received an increase in their rate of payment and 44,886 are remaining on their existing rate of payment.
Where a person's rate does not increase under this pension review, the person will continue to receive their existing rate of payment. No one will be worse off as a result of this review.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
