Enda Kenny
Question:280 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a reduction was made in the old age pension of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned was in receipt of an old age non-contributory pension of £19.00 per week. Following annual increases since 1987 in his means, derived from a British retirement pension, his current means have been assessed as being between £56 and £58 a week.
Accordingly, he is now only entitled to an Irish old age (non-contributory) pension at the rate of £3 per week. In view of the pensioner's age, it has been decided that the reduction should only take place from a current date. He will be entitled to an additional allowance of £4.20 a week with effect from 24 April 1992 when he reaches 80 years of age.
The rules relating to the assessment of means are set out in social welfare legislation and the deciding officer has no effective discretion in cases of this nature. However, if the person is dissatisfied, he should apply to the independent social welfare appeals officer for a review.