asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether, in the consideration of old age pension appeals by his Department, it is competent for a claimant whose pension is at stake to be represented during the proceedings; further, whether he will arrange in the future to send each pensioner or applicant for a pension a notice of the case made against him, or her, and that no decision will be taken until a reply from such pensioner or applicant is received, and if he will state what record is kept in respect of each appeal.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - OLD AGE PENSION APPEALS.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, as formal sittings are not held for the hearing of old age pension appeals.
On receipt of an appeal from the pension officer a notice is sent to the applicant informing him of the fact, and stating the statutory ground on which the appeal is made. An interval of at least a fortnight is allowed after the issue of that notice before a decision is given on the appeal.
A register of appeals is kept showing:—
(1) the number and date of receipt of appeal;
(2) by whom made;
(3) the name and address of the claimant or pensioner;
(4) the name of the local pension sub-committee and particulars of their decision;
(5) the official address of the pension officer, and the substance of his report on the case;
(6) the decision of the Central Pension Authority, with the date.