Michael Ring
Question:93 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the contribution records of a person (details supplied) in England will be rechecked to verify their pension entitlements. [8539/03]
Written Answers - Social Welfare Payments.
According to the records of my Department a total of 169 employment contributions in respect of the person concerned were paid from June 1947 to July 1950. These are insufficient to qualify him for standard or pre-1953 pension under Irish legislation. He has, however, been awarded a pro rata pre-1953 pension under EU regulations which enable his UK insurance contributions to be taken into account for these purposes. He has, thus, been awarded his full entitlement on the basis of his record of insurable employment in this country.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions in relation to claims are made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:94 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the procedures in place to inform those whose unemployment benefit entitlements are running out that they can continue to sign on for credits; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many people have lost out on pension entitlements and otherwise due to not having been so informed. [8541/03]
Unemployment benefit is payable for a maximum period of 390 days after which a customer may have an entitlement to unemployment assistance or to sign for credited contributions.
Procedures are in place for customers whose entitlement to unemployment benefit is due to expire so that arrangements may be made to carry out a means assessment for unemployment assistance purposes. At the same time customers are advised concerning signing for credits and of the importance of credits in protecting their right to benefits and pensions in the future.
Where a claim for unemployment benefit or assistance is disallowed, the disallowance notice clearly states whether the customer has an entitlement to sign for credits and stresses the importance of doing so. I am not aware of problems in regard to the particular issue raised by the Deputy.
Question No. 95 answered with Question No. 44.
Question No. 96 answered with Question No. 15.