Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 May 1992

Vol. 419 No. 2

Written Answers. - Pension Application Numbers.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

84 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline the total number of applications for, (a) old age non-contributory pension and (b) old age contributory pension which have been refused in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. McCreevy)

A total of 2,335 applications for old age non-contributory pension and 1,458 applications for old age contributory pension were rejected in 1991. These rejections represent 20 per cent and 21 per cent respectively of the total number of applications received for each scheme that year.

Most rejections for old age non-contributory pension were because applicants had means above the statutory limits.

The main reason for rejection in old age contributory pension cases was because applicants had less than the minimum yearly average of 20 paid or credited social insurance contributions.