Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Michael Ring

Question:

228 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs whether reassessment can be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo as she believed she is entitled to a higher rate of pension. [3762/98]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The person concerned is the joint owner of a farm. Under the relevant legislation, the yearly value of such property, whether put to profitable use or not, is assessable as means for old age pension purposes.

Part of the holding has been transferred to the person's niece and her means are being assessed on the basis of a half share of the remaining lands.

This assessment is based on the previous actual letting income from the lands.

She has been in receipt of a reduced rate old age non-contributory penson since 1991. She is now entitled to a pension at the increased rate of £43.50 per week based on the latest assessment of her means. Arrangements have been made to issue a revised pension book for this weekly amount and the arrears due from 19 September 1997 will be issued to her as soon as possible.