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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Feb 1943

Vol. 89 No. 3

Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Widows' and Orphans' Pensions.

asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that it takes approximately two months to have a claim for a contributory widows' and orphans' pension investigated; and whether, in view of the hardship occasioned to applicants, he will take steps to expedite the method of investigation in such cases.

Decisions on claims to widows' and orphans' pensions are made as promptly as possible. The delay to which the Deputy draws attention is entirely unavoidable so far as my Department is concerned. The question of shortening the period of investigation is continuously under review, but it has not been possible to make any notable progress inasmuch as delays very often arise from failure of claimants to complete claim forms properly, thereby necessitating re-issue, or the failure of the insured person to look after his insured position when in employment, thereby involving an examination of insurability when the claim to a widow's pension is under consideration; or the failure or inability of claimants to submit particulars of membership of the National Health Insurance Society. Many of the investigations which are made are carried out in the interest of claimants. If the facts given on claim forms were accepted without investigation in all cases, the result would often be adverse to claimants.

There may be cases of the kind referred to by the Minister, but I can assure him that I handled quite a large number of cases which were absolutely clear cases where there was furnished on behalf of the claimant all the particulars required by the Department and, nevertheless, whatever type of procedure is in operation, it took approximately two months to have a simple case decided. Will the Minister endeavour in these clear cases to ensure a more expeditious treatment of the cases?

If the Deputy will furnish me with particulars of the cases in which he alleges this unnecessary delay took place I will have them investigated.

I will pass on to the Minister the last one I dealt with.

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