asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he intends to introduce legislation granting old age pensions at the age of 65 years without a means test.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions.
61.
The matters referred to can only be given the necessary examination and consideration after the introduction of the forthcoming budget. The preperation of that budget is at present one of the main preoccupations of the Government.
As it was stated in the 14 point plan that non-contributory pensions at the age of 65 years would be introduced, I should like to know is it the intention of the Parliamentary Secretary to introduce legislation giving non-contributory pensions at 65 years of age?
I am sure the Deputy appreciates that the incoming Government must have an opportunity to examine whatever files remained to them to examine before reaching a definite decision on a matter of this kind.
Is it the intention to introduce it?
It is one of the intentions of the Government that they will aim towards that end.
There was an insinuation in the Parliamentary Secretary's reply to a supplementary question that files were taken improperly or illegally from Departments or from his Department by the previous administration. I should like him to substantiate that or withdraw it.
What I said was an examination of the files that were available to them, as I understand it.
"Remained".
I would accept the term "left" to us. I do not see the implication which Deputy Lynch apparently sees.
Everyone else in the House saw it. I take it, Sir, that the Parliamentary Secretary has not made such an implication.
I think we may take it as such.