Vol. 552 No. 1
485 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the outcome of a reassessment for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when this person will receive an increased pension payment with arrears. [11590/02]
The person concerned is currently in receipt of an old age non-contributory pension of €19.00 per week. This payment is based on her means as assessed in November 2001 of €124.43, £98.00, deriving from her British pension and from a holding. Following the transfer of her holding to her sons in December 2001, her means decreased to €103.91, £81.84 per week. As a consequence, her pension increased to €26.30, £19.50, per week with effect from 21 December 2001. This has been further increased to €39.00 per week from 4 January 2002 due to the budget increases in payment rates. The pension book of the person concerned has recently been recalled by my Department. This will be replaced by a new book payable from 19 April 2002 at the higher rate. Arrears of pension due to her for the period from 21 December 2001 to 18 April 2002 will be issued shortly thereafter.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions in relation to claims are made by statutorily appointed deciding officers and appeals officers. I have no role in making such decisions.
