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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 13 Dec 1979

Vol. 317 No. 9

Written Answers. - British Social Security Pensions.

362.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the long delays in payment of British social security pensions; the means available to him to improve this situation; and the steps he is taking to have the payments expedited.

Prior to 15 October 1979 payment of British social welfare pensions to persons residing in this country was made by pension orders payable at weekly intervals at the post offices of their choice. On entry into the EMS and the break in the link with sterling a currency conversion charge should ordinarily have been made for the encashment of these orders. However, as post offices do not operate a currency conversion service, payment was made at face value pending the making of permanent alternative arrangements for the payment of the pensions.

As from 15 October the British authorities are paying the pensions direct to the pensioners by orders cashable through banks. The basis on which payment is made has, however, been changed from the weekly to four-weekly intervals in arrears. Despite very strong representations by my Department the British authorities would not agree to operate a system of weekly payment on the grounds that all British overseas pensioners are paid by computer prepared orders at four-weekly intervals in arrears and that no exception could be made in the case of persons residing in this country.

All the pensioners were notified individually by the British authorities of the revised arrangements for the payment of their pensions.

Recent inquiries to the British Ministry indicate that payments to British pensioners residing in this country are being issued promptly every four weeks.

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