asked the Minister for Social Welfare the action which has been taken by him to implement the many important recommendations for legislative change in the Ombudsman report 1984.
Written Answers. - Ombudsman Report.
144.
The annual report of the Ombudsman 1984 suggested that legislation be reviewed in relation to the following matters affecting the Department of Social Welfare: (i) qualification for old age contributory pension; (ii) the deserted husband; (iii) trade disputes; (iv) entitlements based on the law of domicile; (v) the question of interest on delayed payments under the Social Welfare Acts.
The problems regarding old age contributory pension and the deserted husband are being examined by the Commission on Social Welfare and the position will be reviewed in the light of the commission's recommendations.
The legal provisions regarding trade disputes are being examined. Discussions with the trade unions and employers' representative bodies will be necessary and any changes which are agreed will be implemented as soon as possible.
The law on domicile can affect claims for widows' pensions under the Social Welfare Acts. As indicated in the Ombudsman report, the Law Reform Commission has put forward recommendations for change in regard to the question of domicile, and the question of implementing the recommendations of that commission is currently being examined by the Minister for Justice.
Having regard to available staff resources every effort is made to minimise delays in social welfare payments. There is no provision in existing law for the payment of interest in such circumstances, many of which are outside the control of the Department. In the present state of the public finances the introduction of interest payments is not regarded as a priority item.