With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 26 together.
I have dealt with a number of questions on the subject of the closing of Social Welfare officer stations in recent weeks. On 24th October in reply to a question by Deputy Brigid Hogan O'Higgins about the closing of the Social Welfare officer station at Gort, I explained generally the circumstances which gave rise to the closing of a number of Social Welfare officer stations and I would refer the Deputies to that reply.
As there seems to be some misunderstanding about the effect of the closing of these offices, particularly in relation to old age pensioners, I think it well to elaborate on the information which I have already given. Even though the number of Social Welfare officer stations has been reduced the service provided for claimants is no different now from that provided before the 1st October last. The position is that claim forms for old age pensioners are available at all post offices and, if the claimant wishes, the postmaster will assist in completing the claim. Postage free envelopes for the posting of claims to the Social Welfare officer are also available. The Social Welfare officer investigates each claim in the claimant's home and discusses with the claimant any problems that may arise. When a pension is awarded the pension book is forwarded to the post office nominated by the claimant and it may be collected there by the claimant at his convenience. This procedure has been in operation for many years and has not been affected by the reorganisation. There should, therefore, be no necessity for any old age pension claimant to travel a long distance as a result of the closing of a Social Welfare office.
