Vol. 543 No. 3
164 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the degree to which examination of old age or other pension entitlements has been expedited where joint contributions exist and with particular regard to countries with which Ireland has bilateral agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27183/01]
An initial review of the current situation regarding the processing of old age and other pension claims was completed earlier this year. The next stage, recently completed, involved obtaining more detailed information on certain aspects in order to establish if certain administrative procedures can be modified to speed up the claims processing by my Department. This information is now being examined in detail, with a view to any proposed changes in procedures being introduced early in the new year.
The review is also documenting the response times of the institutions in the other countries and the reasons why delays may occur. These can vary from country to country and they are brought to the attention of the authorities in these countries in a systematic way with a view to satisfactory solutions being found.
My Department also meets officials of the other countries to review the operation of the agreements and make improvements where necessary. A recent such meeting was held in Dublin last September with representatives of the New Zealand authorities. Suggestions made at that meeting are currently being explored with a view to improving the efficiency of that agreement's operation.
