asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the total number of old age pension claims submitted to the pension officer for the Birr area, County Offaly, since 30th September, 1949, the number sanctioned and paid without appeal to headquarters, and the number of appeal cases sanctioned by him and whether, in this connection, he is aware of complaints regarding delay in disposing of claims in this area this year, and if he will take steps to ensure that decisions are taken within a reasonable time from the date of submission of such claims.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Birr Old Age Pension Claims.
The total number of old age pension claims received by the pension officer at Birr since the 30th September, 1949, and up to the 1st December, 1950, from persons in the County Offaly portion of his area was 117.
In the same period the number of claims allowed by the local pension committees and put in payment without appeal to the Central Pension Authority was 83 (including four claims received prior to 1st October, 1949). The number allowed by the Central Pension Authority on appeal was 11 (including two received before the 1st October, 1949).
The officer is awaiting decisions in six cases from the committees, and in one case from the Central Pension Authority. He has eight claims on hand, which will be reported upon to the appropriate committees when the necessary inquiries have been completed.
Some complaints were received during the current year regarding delay on the part of the local pension committees in disposing of claims in this area. These were investigated, and steps have been taken to ensure that all claims will be decided within a reasonable time.