There is no record of an application for an old age non-contributory pension in respect of the person concerned. However, she was in receipt of widow's non-contributory pension at the reduced weekly rate of €75.55. Payment of pension was discontinued by a deciding officer from 23 May 2000, as she failed to substantiate the alleged disposal of significant capital arising from the sale of her farm and dwelling. The assessment of means deriving from the sum involved is in excess of the limit for either of these pensions. An appeals officer subsequently upheld the deciding officer's decision. Her entitlement was reviewed in October 2002 and her application was refused on the same grounds.
Until the issue of the disposal of the capital involved is satisfactorily accounted for, she will continue to be assessed with means deriving from the sum involved. Accordingly, she will need to furnish the required evidence in this regard before she can re-establish entitlement. Under social welfare legislation, decisions in relation to claims are made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.