Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
241 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the number who received special payment from the President in 2003 and to date in 2004 on reaching 100 years of age; the way in which persons apply for this payment; the total paid out in 2003 and 2004 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31481/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2003, the number of recipients of the centenarian's bounty was 112, the total cost of which was €284,480. To the end of November this year, 99 persons have received the bounty at a cost of €251,460. The procedure for the application for and payment of the centenarian's bounty is set out below. The office of the President receives a print-out from the Department of Social and Family Affairs at year's end which lists persons in receipt of social welfare pensions. The office of the President depends on relatives, friends and managers of nursing homes to inform it of centenarians who are not in receipt of social welfare pensions. When the office of the President receives this information it immediately informs the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the procedure followed is the same as in the case of social welfare recipients.
In the weeks before a centenarian's birthday, a social welfare officer visits the person at his or her place of residence. Arising from the visit, a letter is issued from the Department of Social and Family Affairs to the office of the Secretary General to the President outlining brief details of the person's health and of the priest or relative nominated to present the President's letter and bounty. The letter and cheque are issued to the priest or other person presenting it to the centenarian approximately five to seven days before the birthday. Should the centenarian request that the letter and the President's bounty be sent directly to him or herself, the letter and cheque issue approximately two days before date of the birthday.
