Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 2

Written Answers - Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

258 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the old age contributory pension of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is not being backdated to their 66th birthday as the person was not aware that they should have applied for it on reaching 66. [7512/03]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

The person concerned attained the age of 66 years on 11 May 1994. He submitted his claim for old age contributory pension on 11 January 1996 and it was received in my Department on 12 January 1996. In accordance with the legislative provisions in place at that time, he was awarded a pension backdated for six months to 14 July 1995.

Following the implementation of special backdating provisions introduced by the then Minister in 1999, he received an additional 15 weeks of payment from 31 March 1995. These provisions do not provide for further backdating in the circumstances of this case. The person concerned has, therefore, received his full entitlement under the relevant legislation. The fact that he was not aware of his possible entitlement to pension would not in itself warrant any further backdating in this instance.

Under social welfare legislation, decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.