asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a retirement pension has not been paid to a person (details supplied) who made an application for same in March 1988 and at that time provided full details of his social welfare contributions both in Ireland and in Britain; if retrospective payments will be made to the date of eligibility, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
136.
The person concerned reached age 65 on 8 October 1988. He does not qualify for a standard rate retirement pension based on his Irish social insurance contributions. His entitlement to a pro rata retirement pension under EC Regulations, based on the proportion of his Irish contributions to the combined total of his Irish and British contributions, is accordingly being assessed. However, owing to an oversight, the British Social Insurance record which is required for this purpose was not sought straight away when he made his claim and the consequent delay is regretted. The record is now expected to arrive within the next few days. Entitlement to pension when established will be from 13 October 1988, the Thursday after he reached age 65.
The person concerned is, however, at present in receipt of unemployment benefit and it is understood that the rate of Irish pro rata pension to which he is likely to be entitled under EC. Regulations will be such that it will be more favourable for him to continue to receive unemployment benefit instead, until his 66th birthday. He will be informed of the detailed position shortly as soon as the British contribution details are to hand.
The papers in connection with his entitlement to a pension under British legislation have been forwarded to the Department of Health and Social Security. That Department will be in touch with him separately regarding that entitlement.
137.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for an early decision on an unemployment assistance claim submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
Entitlement to unemployment benefit is subject to the condition that a claimant must be available for and genuinely seeking work.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 8 September 1988. A deciding officer, on the basis of the facts before him, disallowed his claim on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking work. He appealed against the disallowance on 7 November 1988, and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination.
His entitlement to unemployment benefit will be reviewed in the light of the appeals officer's decision.