asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the reason a forestry pensioner (details supplied) had his pension reduced from £121.56 per month to £85.69 per month in April 1984; and the reason no explanation of the reduction was given to the pensioner since then.
Written Answers. - Forestry Worker's Pension.
477.
The forest worker concerned retired on health grounds in 1983 and as well as getting a lump sum and pension from my Department, qualified for disability benefit from the Department of Social Welfare. In April 1984 on reaching age 65 he became eligible for a (higher) old age pension from the Department of Social Welfare. This necessitated an adjustment in his pension from my Department but I understand that his overall income would not have been reduced.
It is an individual's responsibility to apply for old age pension on reaching age 65. However, it is possible that there may be some confusion in the matter and my Department is therefore introducing a procedure whereby pensioners, including the person referred to, will be notified of the reason for the change and advised to claim old age pension.