Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 3

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

29 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason his Department is refusing to accept the decision of the Department of Social and Family Affairs in relation to the pre 1953 contributions payable in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork, at one time employed by his Department; and if the decision of the Department of Social and Family Affairs will be accepted, and appropriate arrears of contributions paid in order that at this late stage this person's pension can be paid. [14027/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The Scope section in the Department of Social and Family Affairs has deemed the person named to be an employee for insurability purposes. My Department has appealed this decision to the appeals office in that Department.

In the context of this persons application for a pension my Department is conscious that the outcome of this appeal will have a bearing on the application in question and will consequently co-operate fully with the Department of Social and Family Affairs to expedite this appeal.