What the Deputy has just said about this Act, which was introduced and put through both Houses of the Oireachtas by me last year as being only a first step in bringing into operation a scheme for widows' and orphans' pensions in this country is I think correct. I hope that in the days to come amending legislation will be brought in that will embrace at different times and in ever-increasing number all deserving cases of widows and orphans in the total number of those who will become pensionable. The Deputy and other members of the House may be interested to have the following details with regard to the operation of this measure. The total number of claims received up to 17th April, 1936, was 25,457 of which 24,738 were widows' claims and 719 were orphans. Claims by the widows and orphans of men who died on or after the second appointed day, namely, the 6th January, 1936, number 381. The total number of claims in which pensions have been awarded up to the 17th April, 1936, is 10,422 and the rejected claims (including claims withdrawn) amount to 10,366, giving a total of 20,788 decided cases out of 25,457 received. Of the rejected claims for widows' pensions which number 10,046, 3,828 have been rejected on the grounds of age. It will be remembered that the Act provided that non-contributory pensions are not payable to widows who have not attained the age of 60 unless they have at least one child under 14 years of age or a child over 14 and under 16 who is attending school or is mentally or physically incapacitated.
In 3,281 other cases it has not been established that the late husband of the widow was insured under the National Health Insurance Acts at date of death. This condition is essential except in cases where the late husband was the occupier of a small holding not exceeding £8 in valuation. Claims had also to be rejected where the valuation of the holding exceeded £8, or where the widow was not resident on the holding. The number of rejections in "smallholder" claims is 1,551. In 1,175 cases, where the widow's net weekly means exceeded the maximum rate of pension payable, the claims had also to be rejected.
The undecided claims number about 4,670, of which about 2,300 are in the hands of investigation officers for local verification of claimants' statements and for assessment of means. Approximately 2,370 cases are under examination or awaiting replies to queries. The next point is one which the Deputy specially mentioned. About 2,230 claimants have appealed against the decisions on their claims, and arrangements are now being completed by which the appeals will be decided by referees appointed under the provisions of the Act.
The Minister for Finance has already appointed a panel of referees. The necessary regulations have been made, and the consideration of these cases will be taken up at once.
