Michael Ring
Question:132 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not been awarded a pension. [27292/01]
Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.
The person concerned applied for widow's contributory pension on 15 June 2001. The claim was refused on the grounds she had insufficient social insurance contributions to qualify for payment.
Her entitlement to widow's non-contributory pension was then considered. In this regard, her file has been referred to a local officer of the Department for investigation of means, and on completion of the local officer's report a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
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.