asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that, under existing regulations and because of the increased cost of living due to emergency conditions, bonuses are payable to persons in various grades of employment many of whom are in receipt of high salaries; that the recipients of old age pensions, many of whom are in poor circumstances and have no other means of livelihood, have also to bear the burden attached to the increased cost of living due to the same conditions; and, if so, if he will now take the necessary steps to have a special increase in the rates of pensions now payable to old age pensioners for the period of the emergency.
Written Answers. - Old Age Pensions Rates.
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the affirmative.
I must point out to the Deputy, however, in this connection that following the original Wages Standstill Order of 7th May, 1941, payment of emergency bonus was not permitted until the operation of the amended Order, dated the 8th April, 1942. Before the latter date, however, provision was made in September, 1941, for food allowance vouchers for old age pensioners (including blind pensioners and their dependent children) resident in county boroughs and incorporated towns. One of the advantages attaching to these vouchers is that the quantities of food made available remain constant notwithstanding any increase in price. Fuel is also supplied at specially low prices to old age pensioners in county boroughs, boroughs and urban districts in non-turf areas. In addition, as from the 1st April, 1944, supplemental cash allowances are payable to necessitous old age pensioners, blind pensioners and their dependent children residing in areas to which the Food Allowances Scheme does not extend.
The answer to the second part of the Deputy's question is in the negative, in view of the heavy commitments now being borne by the Exchequer and the substantial extent to which these various schemes in operation offset the effect on old age pensioners of the increased cost of living.