Michael Ring
Question:777 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason non-contributory pension payments to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo were reduced from £67.50 to £57.50. [21263/01]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
In determining entitlement to old age (non-contributory) pension account must be taken of all income, including UK or other pensions, for means assessment purposes. Under the Social Welfare Acts, pensioners are required on an ongoing basis to notify my Department of any change in circumstances which might affect their Irish pension entitlement. The Department also carries out periodic reviews to ensure that pensioners are receiving the correct rate of payment in accordance with their means.
The person concerned is currently receiving a reduced rate old age (non-contributory) pension of £67.50 per week, based on means of IR£33.73 per week derived from a British retirement pension. Following a recent review of his claim, his old age (non-contributory) pension will be reduced to £57.50 with effect from 5 October 2001. This reduction reflects a higher income of IR£44.00 per week from his British retirement pension since it was last assessed in 1997.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions relating 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.
Michael Ring
Question:778 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not received social welfare payments. [21264/01]
The person's claim for unemployment assistance was refused by a deciding officer on the grounds that he did not satisfy the statutory condition of genuinely seeking work. His appeal against that decision
was received in the social welfare appeals office on 25 July 2001. An appeals officer, having considered all the evidence presented, disallowed the appeal. Notification of the decision has issued to the person concerned. 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.