asked the Minister for Defence why the allowance payable to a holder of an Old IRA service medal (name supplied) in County Donegal has been reduced at this time; and if he will have the case reviewed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old IRA Allowance.
72.
The case referred to by the Deputy has been recently reviewed. The reduction in the special allowance is due to a statutory reduction in the prescribed annual sum consequent on the special allowance holder's wife qualifying for receipt of the old age pension and the assessment as means of part of the combined old age pensions of the special allowance holder and his wife.
The old yardstick used in reviewing these cases may have been relevant a few years ago, even a year ago, but surely it should not apply now? A few extra shillings coming into a poor household on the side of the mountains is not going to make any difference and certainly not to the extent that another payment must be reduced.
What we might feel about it is one thing, but the fact is that the reduction to which the Deputy's question refers has taken place in consequence of a statutory necessity. The only way to change that is by statutory amendment in consequence of a budgetary decision, and that is something which it is not my business to make. I will draw the Deputy's concern to the attention of the Minister.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary serious in saying that legislation will be required to change the statutory regulations? Surely this is only a question of amending standards that are applied in reviewing a person's means.
Legislation is required.
It can be done by way of order.