Michael Ring
Ceist:1659 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to a pro rata contributory pension. [15724/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The person concerned does not qualify for a standard rate old age contributory or a reduced rate pro rata pension as he fails to satisfy the statutory qualifying condition requiring him to have entered insurable employment or insurable self-employment before reaching age 56. He commenced paying self-employed contributions in 1993 in respect of the tax year 6 April 1992 to 5 April 1993, at which time he had reached age 57 years. The decision of the decid ing officer refusing his application and advising him of his right of appeal were notified to the person concerned on 9 July 2001.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions in relation to claims are made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
Michael Ring
Ceist:1660 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved a pension, plus a qualified adult allowance. [15725/02]
The person concerned does not qualify for old age contributory pension as her employment contributions are not reckonable for these purposes. She was engaged in employment which was insurable at the modified rate covering widow's and widower's contributory pension but not old age contributory pension. Her application was refused and she was advised of her right to appeal on 15 July.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions in relation to claims are made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.