asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will indicate (a) the number of increased old age pensions paid to people in West Cork; (b) the number of new old age pensions paid in West Cork owing to the amelioration of the means test, and (c) the number of cases in which increases were granted by way of appeal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Cork Pensioners.
The particulars asked for by the Deputy are not available, but the following information may meet his immediate requirements. In the social welfare officers' districts covering approximately the West Cork area, the old age pensions of 6,581 persons were automatically increased on 7th January last by the coming into operation of the Social Welfare Act, 1948. By the 31st March (the latest date for which figures are available) approximately 44 persons, who would not have qualified for pension prior to 7th January last owing to the means test, were in receipt of pension. At that date the Deputy will realise that it was much too early for the full effects of the modification of the means test to appear in the statistics.