Paul Bradford
Ceist:44 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a widow's contributory pension will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned was awarded a widow's non-contributory pension at the maximum rate in September with effect from the date of her husband's death in June 1990. Subsequently, she voluntarily surrendered her pension book indicating that she was being assessed for a grant and pension from another EC country. She has been advised that her non-contributory pension entitlement continues to be available. In the interim, she is receiving supplementary welfare allowance while the Irish pension is suspended at her request.
Her entitlement to a contributory widow's pension is also being examined by my Department. On initial investigation her claim could not be allowed as my Department had no record of PRSI contributions paid by her late husband in 1988/89 and 1989/90 while he was apparently engaged in self-employment.
The person concerned has been requested to supply certain information concerning her late husband's liability for PRSI contributions as a self-employed person. When these details are provided her entitlement to a contributory pension will be reviewed.
Entitlement to an ECpro rata, reduced rate, contributory pension could arise here in the event that her claim with the other administration proves successful leading to a reduced non-contributory entitlement. Any contributions due in respect of her late husband's self-employment could increase the rate of the Irish pro rata pension if one can be awarded.
The interim award of the full non-contributory pension represents the best advantage that can be established on her behalf at this time. That award does not prejudice the possibility that some more favourable outcome might be possible under my Department's schemes. In this type of circumstance claimants are awarded the most beneficial of the non-contributory, contributory or ECpro rata pensions when final decisions are possible.