asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the reason for the delay in replying to the Department of Social Welfare about missing payment slips from a widow's pension book as the Department of Social Welfare have informed Deputy Allen that there is a delay of five to six months in getting such replies.
Written Answers. - Missing Payment Slips.
606.
Because of the volume of social welfare payments through post offices it normally takes my Department from two to three months to supply the information required by the Department of Social Welfare to enable that Department to replace missing payment orders. Only in very exceptional circumstances would a delay of the order mentioned by the Deputy arise. I understand that the Minister for Social Welfare is reviewing procedures in his Department with a view to ensuring that hardship is not caused to pensioners.