Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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341. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a State pension, contributory, by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12571/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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.

My Department has written to pensioners in Quarter 4 2018 to explain the review process to them. That letter also informed pensioners that where possible the Department would use information already held to complete the reviews and where additional information was required, it would be requested in writing. In January 2019, almost 24,000 requests for additional information were issued, including to the person concerned.

The person has provided the requested information through my Department's on-line facility and their pension has been reviewed. A review outcome has issued to the person concerned, outlining the increase in their rate of pension payment. Arrears of payment backdated 30 March 2018 will issue shortly.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.