This person has been in receipt of a blind person's pension since August 1998 at a reduced rate of €120.40 per week. This amount comprises a personal rate of €62.30, qualified adult allowance of €41.30 and dependant child allowance of €16.80. Her means are derived from her spouse's earnings and a health board occupational pension. In accordance with the legislation, half of the income of the couple has been taken account in determining her means for pension purposes.
Following review of her circumstances by the Department, it appears that the person concerned is no longer entitled to a pension as her means exceed the statutory limit of €157.60 per week. She has been informed of her assessment in detail and has been given a period of time to respond with any relevant facts or information before a decision is made on her entitlements. My Department has sent a copy of the detailed means assessment to the Deputy directly for his information.
In the event that a decision is made to revoke her pension, the person concerned would have a right of appeal to the social welfare appeals office. Under social welfare legislation decisions in regard 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.