asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the undue delay in issuing a pension book to a person in County Meath (details supplied) who was granted an old age pension in August, 1973.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Meath Old Age Pensioner.
12.
The delay in the issue of a book in payment of an old age non-contributory pension to the person concerned was due to the pressure of work in implementing the 1973 budgetary proposals in relation to old age pensions. The husband of the person concerned was in receipt of an old age contributory pension which included an increase of £5.15 in respect of his wife. This increase is not payable if the wife is entitled to an old age non-contributory pension at a higher rate. In this instance, she was entitled to a pension at the rate of £6.15 a week. Due to the pressure of work which I have referred to, priority was given to claimants for pension who had no other source of income. I am arranging that the contributory pension book will be recalled and the pension payable reduced and, at the same time, the non-contributory pension book will be issued and the arrears due paid. I also wish to express my regret for the delay which has occurred.