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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Jul 1953

Vol. 140 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Widows' Pensions.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that if a widow who is in receipt of a contributory widow's pension, and who is over 60 years of age is invited to America by a member of her family for a period of from six to 12 months she will only receive her pension for a maximum period of three months; and if so, if he will state on what grounds her pension will not be paid to her during her visit to America.

Under Section 31 of the Social Welfare Act, 1952, a widow's contributory pension is not payable to a person who is absent from the State, unless regulations otherwise provide. Regulations which came into force on 5th January last provide that this disqualification shall not apply to absence in Northern Ireland, Great Britain or the Isle of Man and, in the case of absence in any other country shall not apply for the last six months of any period of absence not exceeding 12 months. Payment in respect of these six months is suspended until the person returns to the State.

Prior to 5th January, 1953, the maximum period for which payment could be allowed in the circumstances referred to in the question was limited to the last three months of absence.

Do I understand from the Parliamentary Secretary that a person who is on holiday in the United States for ten or 12 months would be paid when he or she returned?

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