Michael Ring
Ceist:1655 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the old age non-contributory pension of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been reduced. [15716/02]
Vol. 554 No. 5
1655 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the old age non-contributory pension of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been reduced. [15716/02]
The person concerned has been in receipt of a reduced rate old age non-contributory pension of €76.50 per week. This is based on means of €66.03 deriving from her own and her spouse's British retirement pensions. Following a recent review of her pension entitlement, her weekly means have been reassessed at €100.09. This is due to increases in the value of the British pensions payable to the couple since they were last assessed. On this basis her old age non-contributory pension is being reduced to €41.50 per week. The person concerned has the right to appeal this decision to the independent SWA office is she wishes.
Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
1656 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a letter which was sent to a person (details supplied) was not responded to by the end of August. [15718/02]
The pension book of the person concerned was received in my Department with deceased written on it. On foot of this the Department acted to cease his pension and free scheme entitlements.
1657 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a disability allowance. [15719/02]
The person concerned has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 14 August at €118.80 per week. Payment of her allowance commenced on 18 September at her local post office. All arrears due have also been paid to her.