Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 2

Written Answers - Social Welfare Appeals.

Liam Fitzgerald

Question:

240 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Social Welfare further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 25 February 1997, if he will address the special circumstances relating to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13 in view of the fact that this person had to retire prematurely on health grounds due to being held up at gunpoint at her place of employment, that she was not made aware that she could sign on for credits and therefore there are exceptional circumstances to her being denied the minimum retirement pension; and if he will reverse his previous decision on compassionate grounds. [8719/97]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

As I explained in my previous reply in this case, to qualify for credited contributions following her early retirement the person concerned would need to have claimed unemployment or disability benefit and to have continued to prove unemployment or incapacity for work as appropriate throughout the period concerned. There is no trace of any such claims from her and in the circumstances there is no basis for awarding her credited contributions.

I am, however, arranging for a local inspector to make further inquiries with the person concerned. The position will be reviewed on completion of these inquiries and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.