Vol. 536 No. 2
357 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason an early retirement pension was withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and the outcome of the appeal against this decision. [13708/01]
The person concerned had been in receipt of pre-retirement allowance at the weekly rate of £42.50 based on a means assessment of £82 per week from his farm holding. Following his claim for farm assist, his means were reviewed by a social welfare inspector in December 2000 and reassessed at £202 per week. As this is above the appropriate limit, his claim was disallowed by a deciding officer. In the context of an appeal against that decision and in the light of further information supplied by the person, his means were again investigated in February 2001 and reduced to £157 per week. At the time, the person concerned indicated that he did not wish to pursue his appeal. He has since indicated that he now wishes to proceed with an appeal. The papers have been considered by an appeals officer who has decided that an oral hearing of the appeal is necessary. This will be arranged as soon as possible and the person concerned will be advised of the date and venue for the hearing when the necessary arrangements have been made.
Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
