Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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192. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when payments will issue in respect of State pension (contributory) rate reviews; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8816/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Since the end of September 2018, my Department has been examining the social insurance records of pensioners born on or after 1 September 1946 who have an entitlement to and are being paid a reduced State pension Contributory under post Budget 2012 rate bands. Their rate of payment will be reviewed under recently enacted legislation.

Where possible, my Department will use information already held to assist in these reviews. Additional information will be requested in writing from pensioners in relation to unexplained gaps in their social insurance record where required to complete their review.

As the required legislative and system changes are now in place, I am pleased to let the Deputies know that the first reviews have been processed this week. Where an increase is awarded, the rate of payment will be adjusted without delay and backdated to 30 March 2018 or the person's 66th birthday if later. Where a pension rate does not increase as a result of this review, the person will continue to receive their existing rate of payment. No one will be worse off as a result of this review

Given the numbers involved, it will take my Department a number of months to complete the reviews and approximately 120 additional temporary staff have been recruited to help with this work.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.