Michael Ring
Question:1655 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the old age non-contributory pension of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been reduced. [15716/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned has been in receipt of a reduced rate old age non-contributory pension of €76.50 per week. This is based on means of €66.03 deriving from her own and her spouse's British retirement pensions. Following a recent review of her pension entitlement, her weekly means have been reassessed at €100.09. This is due to increases in the value of the British pensions payable to the couple since they were last assessed. On this basis her old age non-contributory pension is being reduced to €41.50 per week. The person concerned has the right to appeal this decision to the independent SWA office is she wishes.
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.
Michael Ring
Question:1656 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a letter which was sent to a person (details supplied) was not responded to by the end of August. [15718/02]
The pension book of the person concerned was received in my Department with deceased written on it. On foot of this the Department acted to cease his pension and free scheme entitlements.
The error came to light when the person concerned wrote to my Department on 4 July. The Deputy sent a letter on the matter on 5 July. The Department responded with an explanation and an apology to the person concerned on 9 July. It also forwarded a copy of this response to the Deputy that day. Following further correspondence between the person concerned and the Department that month, his pension and household benefit entitlements were fully reinstated. The Department acted in good faith on the orig inal information and regrets the inconvenience and upset this subsequently caused.
The Deputy wrote separately to my Department on 11 July regarding the cessation of the free scheme entitlements of the person concerned. It did not respond directly to this letter at that time as the situation in relation to the entitlements of the person concerned had already been explained in some detail to him and to the Deputy in the response of 9 July.
Michael Ring
Question:1657 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a disability allowance. [15719/02]
The person concerned has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 14 August at €118.80 per week. Payment of her allowance commenced on 18 September at her local post office. All arrears due have also been paid to her.