Vol. 537 No. 5
438 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if an assessment of two persons (details supplied) in County Mayo can be appealed; and if he will give a breakdown of the way in which the calculations were made in these cases. [17070/01]
The people concerned have been in receipt of old age non-contributory pension since in one case 1986 and in the other case 1991. Old age non-contributory pension is a means-tested payment and is subject to periodic reviews.
The pension entitlements of the people concerned were reviewed in 1993. Their means were assessed at that time at £4,790 per annum derived from British pensions and income from a holding. This was equivalent to £46.06 each per week.
Based on these means, the current weekly rates of old age pension entitlement would be £58.50 including over-80 allowance and £53.50 per week respectively, or a combined payment of £112 per week.
Following a recent review, their current means derived from the updated value of their British pensions has been assessed at £7,616 approximately or £73.22 each per week. This results in pension entitlements of £32.50 including over 80 allowance and £27.50 per week. The couple concerned have an opportunity to respond to the assessment before a formal decision is made in their case. That decision can also be appealed to the social welfare appeals office if they are not satisfied with the outcome.
Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims are made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
