Vol. 544 No. 3
392 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if his Department has conducted an assessment of contributions, including pre-1953 contributions, of a person (details supplied) in the United Kingdom; the pension to which the person concerned is entitled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28895/01]
No trace can be found of any Irish social insurance record, either pre-or post-1953, for the person concerned despite an extensive search of the Department's records. He has been advised that he is not entitled to a contributory pension on the grounds that he does not have the necessary contributions in this country. The position will be reviewed in the event that he can produce evidence that he was insurably employed in this country. 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.
