Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2835. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of reviews carried out by county in the review process into those persons affected by the changes in eligibility for the State contributory pension introduced in 2012, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34563/19]
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.
Increases, where awarded, vary depending on the nature and extent of a person's social insurance record. The rate of increase awarded under this review is influenced by the extent to which a person benefits from the new calculation method, or the inclusion of new HomeCaring Periods, or both.
The detailed geographical statistics the Deputy requests are not readily available at this time. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
