Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012
187. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is correct that a pension fund is deemed as income in a means assessment for farm assist in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this person will not derive any income from the pension fund for a number of years. [40055/12]
View answerThe person concerned was assessed with weekly means of €289 derived from farm income of €14.87 and capital of €274 from savings and a pension fund which is available to him currently. The encashment value of his pension fund as of 23 February 2012 was €64,059. This decision was appealed to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office and the decision was upheld. The Appeals Officer’s decision is final in the absence of new facts or fresh evidence.
