asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay to date in dealing with the application for non-contributory widow's pension from a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath and why his representations were not considered grounds for an appeal.
Written Answers. - Pension Applications.
186.
The person concerned was in receipt of a widow's non-contributory pension at the maximum rate from 1973 to 15 November 1979. Following a reinvestigation of her means it was ascertained that the family farm is no longer worked by the widow but is let in conacre. After making allowance for expenses necessarily incurred it was decided that her means as assessed are in excess of the figure which would entitle her to the maximum rate of pension. She was accordingly awarded a non-contributory widow's pension at a reduced rate from 16 November 1979.
Representations made by the Deputy on 29 November 1979 were accepted as an appeal on behalf of the widow. A form on which to state the facts and contentions relied upon in support of the appeal was issued to her for completion in January 1980. A duplicate form was issued in April 1980 as the original had not been returned. Further representations made by the Deputy in April 1980 in support of the appeal were submitted to the appeals officer.
The appeals officer has requested that further inquiries be made regarding the assessment of means. These inquiries are being expedited and it is hoped to have a decision in the matter available from the appeals office at an early date.
187.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the failure to investigate fully the application for a non-contributory old age pension from a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath.
The application in this case was fully investigated and the claimant's means were found on the basis of that investigation to exceed the statutory limit. An appeals officer has decided on the basis of the information that the claimant is not entitled to any pension.
The decision of an appeals officer is final unless new evidence in support of the claim can be brought forward. If the Deputy has any new evidence on the case I shall be pleased to have it placed before the appeals officer.