Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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942. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons that have had their entitlement to a contributory pension reviewed to date that are now in receipt of the full rate of contributory pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24336/19]

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.

Regardless of when a review is conducted, where an increase in payment is due, the person's rate of payment is adjusted without delay and arrears paid, backdated to 30 March 2018 or the person's 66th birthday if later. Where a person's rate does not increase following review, the person will continue to receive their existing rate of payment.

The detailed breakdown requested by the Deputy is not readily available.

However, based on an analysis of a sample of cases where increases were awarded as of 23 May 2019, the best estimate at this stage is approximately 67% achieved maximum personal rate State pension contributory.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.