asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (name supplied) in County Offaly has not been paid her old age pension.
Written Answer. - Offaly Old Age Pension.
220.
The person concerned was not qualified for old age pension on age grounds until the qualifying age for pension was lowered to 67 from 1st April, 1975. When the social welfare officer's investigation had been carried out and his recommendation for award had been received on 20th May, 1975 a pension order book at the rate of £8.85 a week was issued on that date with effect from 4th April, 1975.
Delay in completing the investigation in this case arose from the large number of claims received following the budget announcement of the reduction of the qualifying age and the easement of the means test for old age non-contributory pension.