Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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455. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on the case of a widow’s pension for a person (details supplied). [36512/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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An application for widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's contributory pension from the person concerned was received in my Department on September 4th.

In order to determine entitlement to the pension, a Deciding Officer must first establish if the applicant is the legal spouse of the deceased. Where a marriage took place outside the state, evidence must be provided by the applicant, by furnishing the original civil marriage certificate. A church marriage certificate cannot be accepted for this purpose.

We have contacted the person concerned to request that she submit her original civil marriage certificate. Once this is received, my Department will ensure that the claim is processed without delay.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.