Vol. 545 No. 1
273 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo had her non-contributory pension reduced; and if he will provide a full breakdown on the way in which the figures were assessed. [29784/01]
The person concerned is currently in receipt of an old age non-contributory pension of £25.50 or 32.38 per week on the basis of means of £74.97 or 95.19 deriving from her British pension.
Following a recent review of her entitlement her weekly means has been reassessed at £93.63 or 118.89 in the light of increases in the value of her British pension. On this basis her old age non-contributory pension will be reduced to £7.50 or 9.52 per week with effect from Friday, 7 December. She has the right of appeal to the social welfare appeals office in relation to this decision.
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.
