asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the long delay in re-examining claim No. 3620946/442 for a non-contributory widow's pension (name and address supplied); whether a decision has yet been come to on the case; and if he will state its nature.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Widow's Pension: Re-Examination of Claim.
4.
A decision was given in this case by an Appeals Officer in January last and a pension of 11/- per week has since been in payment.
Representations received from the Deputy at the end of February seemed to indicate that additional information had been furnished to the Department subsequent to the decision on the appeal. On investigation it was established that no additional information had been submitted, and consequently there were no new facts which would warrant reopening the case. However, in order to ascertain if there were any material facts which had not been disclosed, enquiries were instituted by the local Social Welfare Officer. Arising from these enquiries, clarification of certain points is necessary. There has been no avoidable delay so far as the Department is concerned in dealing with this case.