Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I remember thinking that someday we will all receive such a letter. A person is entitled to the pension and the purpose of the letter is not to confirm circumstances with regard to one's earnings. It is simply to receive a response so a payment is not being made to a person who has unfortunately passed away and the authorities are unaware of this. This is done for all State occupational pensions.

The documentation in the communication will be as simplified as possible to make it easy for older people and their families. There is a provision in the Bill to ensure the HSE is required to help the person with their application process if the person so wishes.

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