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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Aug 1933

Vol. 49 No. 13

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Decisions on Old Age Pension Claims.

asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he can state the cause of the great delay in arriving at and promulgating decisions in old age pension cases submitted from West Cork.

The cases in West Cork form part of the present heavy pressure on the old age pensions section of this Department. Cases are being taken in the order of their receipt, and in dealing with the present arrears no discrimination can be exercised in favour of any special areas. All steps necessary are being taken to have outstanding cases generally disposed of with the minimum of delay possible.

Is the Minister aware that there are some cases lying in the office for about six months or longer?

There might be. That is not very long.

Would the Minister consider increasing the staff of that Department with a view to getting these cases cleared?

Some additions have been made recently with a view to getting them cleared up.

Mr. Rice

Would the Minister take into account that these people are over 70 years of age, and that a delay of six months to them is much more serious than it would be in the case of younger persons?

We waited for a good many years for Deputies on the opposite side to increase the pensions. We have given them the increase, and every day large numbers are getting it.

There are 10,000 waiting for it.

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