asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that James Toland of Killybegs, County Donegal had his means assessed and was paid unemployment assistance up to 6th March, 1966, when he reached the age of 70 years and unemployment assistance was discontinued; and that he applied for old age pension but has not been paid the latter yet; and, if so, if he will ensure that the pension and arrears will be paid forthwith so that the applicant will be enabled to pay the rent for his council house and buy the necessaries of life.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Old Age Pension.
15.
Mr. Toland's claim to old age pension has been investigated and is being sent to the local pensions committee for decision. It was necessary to investigate the claimant's means following his claim as means assessments under the Old Age Pensions Acts and the Unemployment Assistance Acts may not be the same.
The claim to old age pension could have been made in sufficient time, prior to reaching the age of 70, to enable pension to be paid immediately unemployment assistance ceased.
Did the Minister say it was sent to the old age pensions committee for decision?
Yes.
Surely the old age pensions committee do not make any decisions? All they make is a recommendation which is subject to appeal by the Minister's office.
They make a decision which is subject to appeal by either party.
They make a recommendation. If they could make a decision, it would be final. The Minister knows it is not final.
If the decision is not appealed, it is final.
That is all cod. The poor old fellow would be dead.