Fine Gael TD for Kildare South and Chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, Martin Heydon has received confirmation from Minister Regina Doherty that the review of 79,000 pensions are continuing and increased payments can be processed as each review is completed as the necessary legislation was passed before the end of last year.
“In response to a Dail question the Minister confirmed that the legislation underpinning the pension changes was passed on 18th December paving the way for increased pension payments and backdated amounts to 30th March 2018 to be paid as each individual review is completed.
“There are 79,000 individual cases to be reviewed and 70 additional staff have been brought in to deal with the additional workload. The Minister advised me that as each review was completed the individual would be advised of the outcome and increased payments and backdated amounts could be paid immediately where they apply.
“Due to the volume involved it could take a number of months to complete all the reviews but rest assured that the work is ongoing. Work on the reviews will continue until all have been notified of their review outcome
“The Minister advised that of the 79,000 under review her Department have complete social insurance records for about 55,000 where no further interaction will be required. In other cases pensioners will be written to with requests for them to complete the gaps in their records online or through their local social welfare office.
“I am pleased that these reviews are now ongoing and I look forward to hearing of increased pension payments very soon. If anyone has any queries on correspondence received, please contact my office on 045-487624.