asked the Minister for the Public Service the reason for the delay in payment of the revised ex-gratia widow's pension with effect from 1 June 1973 to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and when this money will be paid with appropriate retrospective effect.

The delay in payment arose from the fact that the pensioner's husband's prior teaching service was only brought to light in 1985. It was immediately pursued but there was considerable difficulty in verifying the service which was from 1935 to 1937. The pensioner was advised on 18 July, 1986 that it had been verified and that arrears would issue as soon as possible. The subsequent delay arose due to difficulties in relation to the application of the 25th Pay Round terms to all Civil Service pensioners. Arrears in this case will issue from the office of the Paymaster General next week.