asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of non-contributory old age pensioners on the latest date for which the figure is available, and the number of such who are also in receipt of home assistance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensioners.
38.
The number of non-contributory old age pensioners at 31st March, 1966, was 112,621. As I stated in my reply to a question from the Deputy on 6th May, 1965, statistics which would show the number of old age pensioners in receipt of public assistance are not compiled regularly but special returns obtained in November, 1964, showed that some 2,600 (or 2.3 per cent) non-contributory old age pensioners were in receipt of public assistance.
Would the Minister consider getting a re-assessment of the number on public assistance at this stage?
Yes, I shall try to do that.
39.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (name supplied), who was awarded a non-contributory old age pension at the rate of 42/6 a week from the 6th November, 1965 and 47/6 a week from 30th December, 1965, has not yet received a pension book.
The pension book in this case has now been issued. The claimant appealed on 14th February, against the decision of the pension committee awarding her a pension at the rate of 42/6d from 6th November, 1965. An appeals officer decided on 4th April that she was entitled to a pension of 42/6d a week from 6th November increased to 47/6d from 30th December. The delay was due to faulty handling of the case in the Department and it is hoped that new arrangements which have been made will ensure that similar delays will not occur in future.
40.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare why the old age pension has not been sanctioned for Mrs. Margaret O'Donnell of Meenaleck, Crolly, County Donegal who returned to this country on 14th May last.
This claimant wrote to the Department on 24th May, stating that she had returned to the State. She did not furnish the particulars which would enable her case to be identified in the records of the Department and it was necessary to communicate with her to obtain identifying particulars and to establish the date of her departure from, and return to, the State. A pension book operative from 27th May and a payable order for three months' arrears have been issued to her.