Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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1441. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision on a homecaring claim by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19352/19]

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.

The person's rate of state pension contributory has been reviewed and an outcome letter outlining their increase in rate has issued. The maximum permissible number (1,040) of HomeCaring periods were included in the calculation, as set out in legislation.  Arrears of payment backdated to 30 March 2018 will issue to her shortly. 

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.