asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in deciding an application for a contributory old age pension by a person (name supplied) in County Galway.

The person concerned will not reach pensionable age for old age contributory pension purposes until October next. A claim for retirement pension, however, was received from him on 25th November, 1976. On his record under the insurance number supplied by him he does not satisfy the statutory contribution conditions for the receipt of pension.

A search has been made without success in the Department's records in an endeavour to trace any other insurance record he may have had which could be taken into account for pension purposes and his case has been referred to the local social welfare officer for inquiries as to whether there were any periods of employment for which contributions were due but not paid, or as to whether he had any earlier insurance under a different insurance number which might enable him to qualify for pension.

3.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare why an old age pension is not being paid to a person (name supplied) in County Kerry.

An old age pension at the maximum rate has been awarded by an appeals officer to the person concerned with effect from 15th July, 1976. An appeals officer has deferred his decision in the case pending the stamping of a deed of transfer of a holding. Confirmation of the stamping has only now come to hand.

A Cheann Comhairle, could I ask your permission to raise on the Adjournment the subject matter of Question No. 8 of the 27th April. It refers to a continuing industrial dispute at Irish Steel Holdings Limited.

I will communicate with Deputy Fitzgerald later in relation to that matter.

Question No. 4 postponed.