asked the Minister for the Environment if he will arrange for immediate payment of a widow's pension to a person (details supplied) in County Galway in respect of her late husband's employment with Galway Corporation.
Written Answers. - Local Authority Pension Scheme.
187.
The payment of superannuation benefits, including a widow's pension, is a matter for the local authority in the first instance in accordance with the provisions of the local government superannuation code.
The individual in question appealed against a decision by the local authority not to grant her a widow's pension. An examination of her case established that her late husband had not been notified of an extension to the option period for joining the contributory widows and orphans pension scheme. In the circumstances the local authority were advised to grant her an option to join the scheme and I understand that she will be given this option shortly. If she opts for the scheme, she will be entitled to a widow's pension in respect of her late husband.