Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 3

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Ivor Callely

Question:

150 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the situation regarding pre-1953 pension applications; the percentage of applications which have been processed and in receipt of a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26551/01]

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

The success of the pre-53 pension scheme which I introduced last year has, I am happy to say, far exceeded my expectations. Some 5,000 applications were expected of which about 3,000 would qualify. Since its introduction my Department has received some 22,500 applications for this pension and applications continue to be received at a rate of more than 200 a week. Just over 12,000 or 54% have been decided so far. Of these, some 7,800 people have been awarded a pre-53 pension, i.e., 65% of the applications processed, and pension is in payment in these cases.

Apart from new applicants, the initiative also benefited people already in receipt of a pro-rata old age contributory or retirement pension at lower weekly rates. In 8,500 of these cases the pensioners qualified for a higher rate pre-53 pension which has been put into payment in all cases. As a result the total number benefiting from the new scheme amounts to 16,300 and this will grow as the number of applications on hand are dealt with.

Everything possible is being done to process these applications quickly. Additional resources have been applied to this work as circumstances and demands on other fronts allow. These applications are however more time consuming than normal applications due to the need to trace old insurance numbers and records and every effort is being made to ensure that applications are not refused wrongly because of shortcomings in this respect. These difficulties are explained to applicants whose co-operation greatly facilitates the progress which is being achieved in processing these applications. The position is being kept under constant review and steps to further improve the situation will be taken where circumstances permit. Delays in processing applications will not result in any losses to pensioners. Those who qualify for payment will have their claims backdated in accordance with the normal provisions.