Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 408: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W is entitled to a pension. [14124/04]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned applied for old age contributory pension on 11 August 2001.

At the time, an insurance number could not be traced in respect of her and the claim for pension was disallowed. She was advised of this in February 2002. Following further examination of pre-1953 insurance records an insurance number has now been traced for the person concerned.

On the basis of contributions paid under this number, the person concerned qualifies for a pre 1953 half-rate contributory pension effective from 5 May 2000, that is, the date from which this pension was introduced. The pension is currently payable at the weekly rate of €83.70. The person concerned is also entitled to a living alone allowance of €7.70 per week bringing her total weekly pension to €91.40. A formal decision will issue to the person concerned this week. In the meantime, arrangements are now being made to have the pension put in to payment and arrears due will be paid as soon as possible.

The person concerned will be contacted shortly regarding the procedure for having her possible entitlement to a means tested old age non-contributory pension examined.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 409: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the pension entitlements of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 to ascertain whether they are entitled to a non-contributory pension. [14136/04]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned is in receipt of an old age non contributory pension at the maximum weekly personal rate of €154. She also has sufficient social insurance contributions to qualify for an old age contributory pension at the weekly rate of €83.70. However, as under social welfare legislation only one pension can be paid to her, she is better off financially by continuing to receive the weekly non-contributory pension.