asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will investigate the application for a contributory old age pension and other fringe benefits for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3, as his previous application was rejected on the grounds of not being qualified; and the reason replies have not issued to the representations made by Deputy Vincent Brady which date from 2 February 1983.

The person concerned does not qualify for a contributory old age pension because he does not satisfy the contribution condition which requires a minimum yearly average of 20 contributions. The average test period in his case was the 26-year period from 1953 to 1978 and his yearly average over this period was only 10 contributions. The person concerned was notified of this at the time.

The fringe benefits of free electricity allowance, free telephone rental allowance and free television licence are not payable to persons who are not in receipt of a pension from my Department. Free travel is, however, available to all persons over 66 years of age and the person concerned is already in possession of the appropriate travel pass.

Because of an oversight a detailed reply to the points raised by the Deputy in the representations of 2 February was issued direct to the person concerned on 21 April last and not to the Deputy. This reply should normally have issued to the Deputy and I have since arranged for a full and comprehensive reply on the various points raised in the representations to be issued to the Deputy.

Incidentally, I have received the letter referred to, dated 16 May. My representations were made in February. Would the Minister not consider that there is an anomaly in this case? It is obvious that a person who is aged 74 years, who does not now qualify will never qualify for social welfare benefit under the present system. Is it not anomalous that such a person, who is in receipt of part-time earnings, should have PRSI contributions deducted without there being any possibility of his gaining from those contributions?

If a person does not qualify for contributory pension he can apply for non-contributory pension, in which case there is a means test. If the person does not qualify under a means test, he is not eligible for benefit.