Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Sep 1999

Vol. 508 No. 1

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

402 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Finance if he will have arrangements made with the office of the Paymaster General to reissue a cheque to the representatives of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and the reason this particular cheque was cancelled in the first instance. [18163/99]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

The person named was in receipt of a pension from the Office of the Paymaster General.

When the Paymaster General's office becomes aware of the death of a pensioner, it is the practice to cancel any payable orders to that pensioner that have not been cashed because, first, only the payee is entitled to cash a payable order and, second, the right to the pension ceases on the person's death. The pension balance is payable to the legal personal representative of the deceased on production of probate-grant of administration. Where probate-grant is not being extracted the balance may be finalised by statu tory declaration under section 8 of the Superannuation Act, 1887.

In the particular case in question, the pensioner died on 22 May 1999. The pension payable order for 27 May was cancelled. Pensions are paid fortnightly in arrears, so that payable order related to the period 14 to 27 May. The pension balance for 14 to 22 May is accordingly due to the estate. A letter and application form for the balance of pension issued to the pensioner's son. The returned form indicated that his late mother made a will and probate was being extracted.

As soon as the grant of probate is received in the Office of the Paymaster General the balance of pension will be paid.