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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Dec 1964

Vol. 213 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pension Applicant.

18.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the date when a person (name supplied) applied for the old age pension; when the first pension payment was made to him; and the cause of the undue delay in making this payment.

A claim to old age (contributory) pension was received from the person named on 30th August 1963. A pension order book dated to commence on 6th November, 1964, was issued on 3rd of that month and a payable order for £115.2.0d. in respect of arrears to 5th November, 1964, was issued on 20th November, 1964.

It is regretted that the failure of the Department to trace in the first instance the claimant's insurance number, which he himself was unable to quote since he had not been in insurable employment since 1948, led to prolonged local inquiries, which were largely responsible for the undue delay.

Is the Minister aware, or have I to tell him, that in the circumstances of this claim, from August, 1963, until the payment in November, 1964, nine months were spent in negotiations in respect of the failure of this man's employer to stamp the man's cards and because of that failure on the part of the employer the man was deprived of his old age pension? Why, because of the failure of his employer, should an unfortunate man who is justly entitled to social welfare benefits be deprived of these things? Will the Minister now, having regard to what has been said, apply himself as a Minister to the wants of the people of the country?

The Deputy is making a statement, not asking a question.

I want to embarrass him because he is crooked.

I have said that I am satisfied that there was undue delay.

Yes. Why did you not get your men working?—because you are an imbecile Minister.

That should be withdrawn.

Is this in order?

I cannot be expected to examine the records myself. I must depend on civil servants to carry out the examination.

I am sorry.

Would the Minister allow me?

I cannot be expected to do it myself. If Deputy Coughlan comes in here half drunk——

You are drunk, and everybody knows you are drunk.

The Minister will not apply that remark to me.

Deputy Coughlan comes in here half-drunk.

Wherever I go, I conduct myself.

I take responsibility for the fact that there have been delays in this case which have arisen within the Department.

There have been delays since August, 1963.

Deputy Coughlan must withdraw the statement he made.

I have already withdrawn it but I cannot remit him his imbecility.

The Deputy may not refer to "him". He must refer to the Minister.

Perhaps the Minister would withdraw his remark as well and we could go on to the next business.

The Minister will have to withdraw his remark.

All remarks which are contrary to the dignity of the House must be withdrawn. The Minister made a remark towards Deputy Coughlan which is not in order and should be withdrawn.

If the Chair insists that my reference to Deputy Coughlan's condition is out of order, I withdraw it.

It is not the dignity of the Chair which is concerned. It is the dignity of the House, which is lowered by remarks of this kind and I would ask Deputies to refrain from them in future.

That is the second withdrawal by a Minister in two days.

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