Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 78, 93, 97, 107 and 116 together.

It is hard to believe that is has been nearly a year ago. We are getting old.

Pensioners born on or after the 1 September 1946 affected by the 2012 changes in rate bands, can have their contributory state pension entitlement calculated under an interim total contributions approach, TCA. The announced changes also provide for up to 20 years of home caring credits in the pension entitlement calculation for those who took time out of the workplace for parenting or caring duties.

Significant preparatory work was required to design and develop the new, necessary ICT system changes and the necessary legislative provisions to underpin these changes, as initiated last week in the Social Welfare, Pensions and Civil Registration Bill 2018.

The latest data I have identify approximately 79,000 pensioners to be reviewed, of whom just over 70,000 reside in Ireland. The first 11,000 information letters issued last week to Irish residents. I would expect and anticipate that the remainder will issue by the end of this week or early next week at the latest. The 8,000 pensioners who are resident outside of Ireland are expected to receive letters from us in December. The Department waited until we had access to end of month data before issuing letters as we wanted to capture as many of those pensioners as possible who will be entitled to a review.

The letter informs pensioners that the Department will contact them again directly with either the outcome of their individual review, where sufficient information is available to us, or to request further information regarding gaps in their social insurance records. It is not necessary for people to contact the Department on this matter in that we will do all the heavy lifting for them.

The examination of social insurance records is under way. Reviews and payments will commence in the first quarter of 2019. Where an increase is awarded, it was agreed by this Parliament last year that it will be backdated to 30 March 2018, or the person's 66th birthday if later and arrears paid. Pensioners who do not qualify for an increase as a result of this review will continue to receive their existing rate of pension.

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