asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a contributory old age pension will be granted to a person (name supplied) in County Meath who applied on 28th January, 1975 and the reason for the delay in dealing with the case.
Written Answer. - Meath Old Age Pension.
170.
The person concerned who is aged 67 is a claimant for a non-contributory, not a contributory, old age pension. He was not qualified for old age pension on age grounds until 1st April, 1975, when the qualifying age for pension was lowered to 67.
The delay in dealing with the case is due to the large number of claims received following the budget announcement of the reduction of the qualifying age and easement of the means test for old age, non-contributory, pension and to the fact that the social welfare officer awaits further particulars which he has sought in relation to means derived from a business.