asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in granting a non-contributory pension to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.

A repeat claim to old age non-contributory pension made by the person concerned in December last was investigated by the social welfare officer in January. Because there was mention of the claimant's holding being transferred, inquiries had to be made to have matters clarified. The inquiries, completed early in February, indicated that the holding had not, in fact, been transferred.

The social welfare officer referred the claim for decision to the local pension committee on 12 February with a recommendation that no pension be awarded, on the grounds that the claimant's means, consisting of the weekly value of a holding, exceeded the statutory limit. If the committee's decision is unfavourable the claimant will, of course, have a right of appeal against it. There has been no undue delay in dealing with this case.

7.