asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that recipients of I.R.A. special allowances suffer considerable hardship due to the delay by the Department of Social Welfare in revising means of pensioners for the appropriate date as a result of which payments are often unduly delayed, and that awards of these allowances are also unduly delayed for the same reason and, if so, whether he is prepared to investigate the system by which these means are determined and revised with a view to obviating the delay in the payment of the allowances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - I.R.A. Pensioners' Allowances.
I am aware that in some cases delay occurred in the investigation of means of applicants for special allowances. This delay was due to pressure of work on investigation officers who are officers of the Department of Social Welfare. I understand that the pressure has now eased and the investigation is proceeding on normal lines. If, however, the Deputy is aware of any particular case or cases still outstanding, I will have the matter looked into immediately on receipt of particulars of such cases.