asked the Minister for Finance whether he is now in a position to state if legislation will be introduced to bring the pensions of all old age pensioners who have reached the age of eighty years since the passing of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1924, up to the rate of 10/- per week; and if he can state when the report of the Old Age Pensions Commission will come before the Dáil.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - OLD AGE PENSIONERS OF EIGHTY YEARS.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
There is no intention at present of introducing legislation to give effect to the suggestion made by the Deputy in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, the Old Age Pension Committee have not yet reported to me, but I understand that they hope to do so shortly.
Is the Minister aware of the large number of old people who are suffering great want because of the reduction in their pensions? When the Farmers' Party, through, I think. Deputy McKenna, put a question as to the condition of these people, we were told by the Minister that everything was to be done for the old and the infirm, but though that was said twelve months ago, nothing has been done for them yet. All the workhouses have now been closed, so that these poor people have no place to put their heads, and now they are in a very sad plight as a result of their pensions being reduced. I really think that the Minister should be entitled to punishment under the Public Safety Act.