asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who is awaiting payment for apporximately two years.
Written Answers . - Kerry Pensions Payment .
413.
: The pension claim of the person concerned made in March 197 could not be finalised initially because a deed signed in may 1978 transferring his holding was subsequently withdrawn by him. A new deed, dated January 1979, was furnished to the social welfare officer in Augest 1979 by the claimant's solicitors, but confirmation of the stamping of this deed did not come to hand until March 1980. The appeals officer decided the case in may 1980, and awarded pension at the maximum rate from January 1979. A pension book and arrears due issued in June 1980.
I should mention, for the Deputy's information, that since this particular case was dealt with I have had a change made in the procedure which applied in transfer cases. Since June last my Department id accepting properly completed deeds even if they are unstamped, provided that the solicitor in any particular case furnishes a certified copy of the deed and in addition gives an undertaking that stamping and registration will be proceeded with.