asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the payment of the old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who applied in June 1979.

A transfer of property was involved in this case and a decision on an appeal was deferred pending confirmation of stamping of the deed of transfer. The claim has now been examined in the light of the modified procedure which I recently introduced for such cases.

A pension at the maximum personal rate payable from 19 July 1979 has been awarded and a pension order book and arrears due are in course of issue.