Terry Leyden
Ceist:90 Mr. Leyden asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline the reason for the reduction in old age pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
Written Answers. - Old Age Pension.
On 1 April 1992, the person concerned was awarded a reduced rate old age non-contributory pension of £23.00 per week with effect from 31 January 1992 — the Friday following receipt of his application for pension. This includes a personal rate of £15.00 and an adult dependent allowance of £8.00 in respect of his wife. He was also awarded a free fuel allowance of £5.00 per week from 31 January 1992 for the duration of the winter heating season.
This is the rate of pension appropriate to a married person with weekly means of £45.23. Means in this case were derived from the net yearly value of his holding which were assessed at £4,600 per annum.
If the person concerned is not satisfied with this decision to award a reduced rate pension, he should write to the independent social welfare appeals office in D'Olier House, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, outlining his grounds for appeal and enclosing any supporting documentation. His appeal will then be determined by an appeals officer.
The person concerned might be entitled to a free electricity allowance, a free television licence for a black and white television and a free telephone rental allowance. Application forms for these allowances issued to him for completion on 1 July 1992.