asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason his Department insist on the stamping of deeds of transfer in consideration of pension claims; and if, in view of the long delays involved, he will change the procedure.
Written Answers. - Pension Claims Procedure.
153.
I am happy to say that, as a result of a recent examination of the procedures involved, I have arranged that my Department will modify their approach in the type of case referred to by the Deputy.
In future my Department will accept a properly completed deed, even if unstamped. This modified approach will not alter the obligation of the investigating officer assessing an applicant's means to satisfy himself as to the bona fides of a property transfer. As heretofore, of course, my Department will require production of a certified copy of the deed and, in addition, an undertaking from the applicant's solicitor that stamping and registration will be proceeded with in due course.