asked the Minister for Social Welfare (a) the causes of delays in dealing with non-contributory old age pension appeals in County Sligo, (b) the nature and mode of inquiries which are made, and (c) the number of appeals officers attached to his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Sligo Pension Appeals.
58.
I do not accept the inference that appeals from County Sligo are delayed unduly. I am informed that there is only one appeal from that area among those awaiting decision. It arises out of a claim to blind pension and a report from the Department's ophthalmic inspector is necessary.
Inquiries may be necessary relating to age, residence, or means in order to ascertain if a claimant satisfies the conditions for the receipt of pension and the mode of inquiry may vary.
There are seven appeals officers attached to my Department.