asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider ensuring that payments of widow's pensions include dependants that were born subsequent to the date of death of the husband; if he agrees that this is a glaring anomaly in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will consider the level of deduction of the death gratuity because of lack of contributions and explain the reasons it is necessay.
Written Answers. - Widows' and Orphans' Pension Scheme.
444.
The determination of widows' and children's pensions is a matter for the local authority concerned in the first instance in accordance with the statutory provisions of the relevant Local Government Widows' and Orphans' (Contributory) Pension Scheme.
Where a spouse's pension is being paid the maximum rate of children's pension is payable where there are three qualified children, including, where appropriate, a child born within ten months of the death of a contributing member of the scheme. A children's pension is granted for the joint benefit of all dependent children of the deceased. Where a member ceases to be such, due to death in service, the scheme provides that the pensions payable to his dependants will be based on the service he would have had if he had served to age 65. It is a condition of the scheme that contributions at the rate of 1 per cent of the member's pensionable remuneration at date of death in respect of any service for which contributions have not been paid, including potential service to age 65, will be payable by way of reduction in the amount of the death gratuity.
It is understood from the local authority that the person the subject of the question, is in receipt of a widow's and a children's pension at the maximum rates allowable under the provisions of the scheme.