asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a pension was withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Cork, and if arrangements will now be made to restore same.
Written Answers. - County Cork Pension.
172.
The person concerned was awarded a non-contributory widow's pension with effect from 18 May 1978 at the maximum rate appropriate to a widow with five dependent children. The pension was subsequently reduced from 13 June 1978, when one of the children attained age 18 years. The award was based on a provisional assessment of the value of a farm and some capital.
Following a subsequent investigation in October 1979 the widow's means were assessed on the basis of the letting value of the farm and on the yearly value of the capital. The farm comprises 55 acres—PLV £44.85 on the land and £11.00 on buildings. As her means, as assessed, exceeded the statutory limit, her pension was terminated with effect from 11 January 1980.
The widow has appealed against this decision and the case has been referred to an appeals officer who has been requested to issue his decision at an early date.