asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be paid an old age pension; and the reason for the delay to date.

A pension book issued to the person concerned in July last. The application was received at the end of April and as it was for a non-contributory pension inquires were necessary to establish the claimant's means. There was no undue delay.

What is the approximate time currently for such non-contributory old age pension claims?

I imagine it would depend very much on the details available and the co-operation of the individuals involved. In some cases there can be difficulties over that, in getting access to banks and so on.