Vol. 487 No. 6
255 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the efforts, if any, that has been made to seek out and notify those entitled to the contributory widower's pension following its introduction in 1994; and the estimated number entitled who still have not applied in view of the fact that they are unaware of their rights under the scheme. [4723/98]
From October 1994, the widow's contributory pension scheme was replaced by a new scheme which provides a contributory pension to both widows and widowers on the same terms and conditions.
While it was not possible to identify the precise number of eligible widowers, initial estimates were that up to 9,000 widowers would qualify for a payment under the new pension scheme. This excluded widowers who did not have a reckonable PRSI record as well as others already in receipt of a comparable social welfare payment.
At the beginning of this month, a total of 7,898 people were in receipt of a contributory widowers pension. An extensive advertising campaign was undertaken to ensure that people were informed of the new scheme and advised and assisted in relation to the preparation and submission of application forms. This included the use of television, radio as well as the national and provincial press and other selected publications. Details were also displayed on the AERTEL service. This advertising campaign was also supported by the distribution of detailed information leaflets through the Department's network of local offices and through the National Social Service Board and their Citizens Information centres.
This comprehensive promotion campaign has proved to be successful in informing people of their entitlements under the widow's and widower's contributory pension scheme and my Department will, of course, continue to promote this scheme in the context of its overall information services.
