asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware of delays of up to six months on the part of his Department in deciding applications for retirement pensions; and the steps he proposes to take to rectify the matter.
Ceistéanna—Questions Oral Answers - Retirement Pension Delays.
12.
There is generally no undue delay in determining claims for retirement pension, the vast majority of which are decided within four weeks of date of receipt. In some cases, however, inquiries necessary to establish age or the fulfilment of contribution conditions etc., may take longer than usual, with resulting unavoidable delay. I can assure the Deputy however, that every possible effort is made to deal with such cases expeditiously, but if he is aware of any case which seems to have been unduly delayed I will be glad to look into the matter if he will let me have the necessary particulars.