andMr. Creed asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of cases to date in which applicants for contributory old age pensions failed, because of late applications, to receive their pensions from the date on which they were aged 70 years; if he will amend the regulations so as to permit pensions to be paid from the qualifying age irrespective of the date of application; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pension Applicants.
50.
Statistics are not kept in a form which would enable the information sought in the first part of the question to be given.
As regards the remainder of the question, I do not propose to amend the existing regulations governing the claiming and payment of contributory pension. These permit pension to be paid from the time the claimant reaches the age of 70 if the claim is made within three months after that date. Where good cause can be shown for delay in making a claim beyond that, the regulations enable retrospective payment of pension to be made for a period of up to six months. I consider these arrangements are adequate in the circumstances.
Would the Minister say what would be the circumstances of an applicant who was in an unknown jail at the time he became entitled to apply for the pension, was kept there and even the Oireachtas was not told where he was? Would that person not be specially considered?
The Deputy is clearly out of order.
I am looking for answers to reasonable questions.
The Deputy will get them at the next housing meeting of Dublin Corporation.