Vol. 518 No. 6
556 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review procedures in his Department with regard to payments to the widow or widower of a teacher in view of the fact that it takes more than two months to receive a cheque for a reduced amount, in his or her own name, having returned the late spouse's pension cheque for the month in which death took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12437/00]
The position is that pension payments issue to pensioners at the end of each month. If a pensioner has died during the month, pension is payable only for the part of the month up to the date of death. Before issuing this balance to the estate of the deceased, my Department must establish as far as possible who is properly entitled to receive payment. Where probate of will or letters of administration are available, payment of the balance is made to the executor or administrator on production of the relevant document to my Department. In other cases the balance due to the estate is paid on receipt by my Department of a duly completed declaration made before a peace commissioner.
My Department's staff are very much aware of the sensitivities attending the death of a pensioner and always aim to pay any outstanding amounts as quickly as possible.
