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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Apr 1934

Vol. 51 No. 13

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Means of Old Age Pension Applicants.

asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (1) what is the system by which pension officers estimate the means of applicants for old age pensions, who are in possession of land, and when were instructions last issued; and (2) whether he will explain why pension officers continue to estimate means as formerly in view of the recent depreciation in the value of farm products.

In estimating the means of farmers who apply for the old age pension, the pension officer is guided by the facts of each case as ascertained by him after a visit to the claimant at his home. This system has been followed since the inception of the old age pension scheme, and does not invlove the issue of instructions consequent on variations in the value of farm products. It is not the fact that pension officers continue to estimate farmers' means at as high a figure as formerly.

I would like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether he has ever sat on an old age pensions committee and listened to the information given and the answers stated as to the means of the applicant, answers that every member of the committee knew were ridiculous in the circumstances stated there?

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