asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that there is great dissatisfaction in the Caherciveen district of South Kerry at the smallness of awards of old age pensions under the Old Age Pensions Acts, due to the high value put on the means of applicants and whether, even though there is a right of appeal, instructions will be issued to provide that in the computation of means due cognisance will be taken of the low standard of values and yields of the district.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Computation of Old Age Pensions.
I am not aware that the dissatisfaction referred to exists but I can assure the Deputy that in estimating the means of an applicant for old age pension purposes, due cognisance is taken of all relevant considerations. It is not therefore considered necessary to issue any further instructions to investigation officers in the matter.
Mr. Flynn
Is the Minister aware that applicants who are refused pensions are not informed of the basis of the pension officer's reckoning of means, and are, accordingly, at a disadvantage in the case of an appeal; and, further, may I ask whether he will see that the applicant is furnished with a detailed copy of the pension officer's report.
That is a separate question of which I should require due notice.