Michael Ring
Question:327 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be assessed for an old age non-contributory pension. [4203/02]
Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.
The person concerned applied for an old age non-contributory pension on 15 January 2002. His file was forwarded to a local officer of the Department for investigation of means. On receipt of the local officer's report, a decision will be made on his entitlement and he will be notified of the outcome.
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.
Brian O'Shea
Question:328 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his proposals to allow old age pensioners, who qualify for a reduced rate of contributory old age pension and also qualify for an old age pension based on social welfare contributions that are pre-1953, to aggregate both these pensions up to the maximum rate of old age contributory pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4226/02]
The Government is committed to ensuring the widest possible coverage for old age contributory pension. The special flat-rate pension based on pre-1953 social insurance contributions is designed to benefit people who would not otherwise receive a pension, though some people who were already receiving pensions based on mixed insurance, at less than 50% of the maximum rate, have also benefited by transferring to this special pension.
The suggestion that a person be allowed combine a special pre-1953 pension with a reduced payment being received under normal qualifying conditions would not be in keeping with the overall objective of the pre-1953 pension which, as already indicated, is to benefit those who would not otherwise receive a payment. Also it would not be in keeping with overall policy in the social welfare payments area which, in most cases, does not allow for the making of more than one income support payment to an individual at the same time. In the circumstances, changes along the lines suggested would not be appropriate.