Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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830. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the pension of a person (details supplied) is under review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30049/19]

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 home-caring periods.

The person concerned was awarded a reduced rate State pension (contributory) in 2015.  Following an assessment of a claim for state pension (non-contributory),  their state pension (contributory) claim was withdrawn in favour of a more beneficial weekly rate of state pension non-contributory.  

In June 2019, the person concerned submitted an application for HomeCaring periods, with the  maximum permissible number of HomeCaring periods (1,040, as set out in legislation) being awarded.    Following a review of their state pension (contributory) entitlement, they are now entitled to the maximum rate.  A review outcome has issued to the person concerned, outlining details of their increase and arrears of payment backdated to 30 March 2018 have issued. 

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.