asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will have records kept of the number of cases in which the decisions of old age pension committees and sub-committees (i) agree (ii) disagree with the recommendations of social welfare officers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Decisions of Old Age Pension Committees.
60.
I do not think that the keeping of such records would be warranted. Normally a social welfare officer appeals to an appeals officer when he is dissatisfied with the decision of a committee on a claim to old age pension. A close approximation in respect of such appeals is possible.
Is the Minister aware that many people are very reluctant to sit on these committees because they feel they serve no useful purpose? They feel their recommendations have been ignored. Would the Minister, in order to assess the value of these committees, not endeavour to have such records kept? This would not cause a lot of difficulty.
In the normal case where disagreement arises, appeal may be made to the social welfare officer. I am aware of the number of such committees.
Would the Minister give the number?
Yes, if I am asked.
What function would they perform in any case?
They make decisions.
They make recommendations.
If they are not satisfied, they appeal to carry them into effect.