asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the reason for the delay in paying a pension to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and when payment will start.
Written Answers. - Westmeath Pension.
829.
In cases such as this one, where retirement is on the grounds of ill-health, the Chief Medical Officer for the civil service has to be consulted and the prior sanction of the Department of the Public Service must be obtained. As the person concerned gave only twelve days' notice of his intention to retire, it was not possible to complete the formalities in time to enable payment to be made at the time of retirement. Sanction was obtained on 28 June and an advance of £3,000 on his lump sum entitlement was issued on 29 June.
The balance of the lump sum will be paid within the next two weeks. Payment of pension will commence at the end of July and the first payment will include retrospection to the date of retirement.
I regret very much any inconvenience caused by the delay.