Paul Connaughton
Ceist:175 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason an old age non-contributory pension was reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The rate of old age (non-contributory) pension payable in this case has been reduced from £92 per week to £77 per week, with effect from 18 October 1991. The rate in payment includes an increase for his wife and three dependent children.
The reduction has been applied as it is believed that the means of the person concerned have increased. The person concerned received a substantial sum of money in 1989 which he did not lodge to the bank where he maintains the accounts which he has disclosed in relation to his pension application. He has not produced any documentary evidence that he has spent the sum involved and accordingly he has been assessed with the capital from that transaction.
It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office if he so wishes.
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:176 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the application for an old age non-contributory pension of a person (details supplied) in County Laois.
The person concerned had been in receipt of maximum rate old age non-contributory pension of £55 per week, plus £28 adult dependant allowance in respect of his wife, since May 1989.
During a recent investigation into his spouse's application for non-contributory pension, indications of substantial banking transactions came to light. His pension was suspended on 21 October 1991 pending re-investigation of his situation.
The person concerned has been requested to supply full information on his means so that his eligibility for pension can be determined. As soon as my Department receive the necessary details from him, a decision will be made and he will be notified of the outcome then.