Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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400. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a pension application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58801/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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An application for widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's contributory pension was received by my Department in April 2021 from the person concerned. A copy of the U.S.A. marriage license/certificate and a copy of the late spouse's French death certificate were submitted with the application.

Evidence of births, marriages and deaths which occurin thisState is available to the Department. However, where the events occurred outside the State, the original certificates are required by the Department. The marriage certificate or marriage licence must also show the civil status of both parties at the time of marriage. A person claiming widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's contributory pension must provide evidence that they are the legal widow, widower or surviving civil partner.

The person concerned was requested to furnish the original marriage and death certificates on a number of occasions. Failure to provide the necessary documents resulted in the claim being withdrawn.

The person concerned has recently been in contact with my Department and the Deciding Officer has again requested the required original certificates. Once the original marriage license/marriage certificate, showing the civil status of both parties at the time of marriage, and the original death certificate are received, the claim to widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's contributory pension will be re-examined without delay.

The person concerned has also appealed the decision of the Deciding Officer, and her claim will be forwarded to the independent Chief Appeal's Officer for review.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.