Vol. 560 No. 1
540 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the employment record of a person (details supplied) in the United Kingdom and, in particular, details of social welfare contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27179/02]
My Department holds the personnel files of employees of the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs on foot of the transfer of functions from the former Department of Public Enterprise. In March 2002 the pensions services office of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs contacted the Department of Public Enterprise requesting confirmation of service in respect of the individual concerned in relation to a claim received for a pre-1953 contributory pension. The Department of Public Enterprise conducted an extensive search for the relevant records, including a search request to the GPO, but no record of the individual or file could be found. This has subsequently been confirmed again by my Department.
In such circumstances individuals are requested to provide an affidavit in relation to the claimed period of employment. I am advised that an affidavit was provided in this case and the details were conveyed to the Department of Social and Family Affairs on 5 June 2002.
