asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that Mr. James Reilly, of 99 O'Neill Park, Clones, receives an old age pension of only 7/6 weekly, due to the fact that he is in receipt of 15/- weekly from the British Government for the loss of a son killed in the late war; and, if so, whether, in the circumstances, he will exclude the pension from the British Government in calculating Mr. Reilly's means and so enable him to qualify for the full old age pension.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Means Test.
I am aware that the position in Mr. Reilly's case is as indicated in the question. I have no power to exclude the pension which Mr. Reilly receives from the British Government from the calculation of his means for old age pension purposes.
Will the Minister not agree that it is about time we decided to stand on our own feet in so far as our commitments by way of social benefits are concerned towards our people who qualify, and cease to take a mean advantage of a grant made by a foreign Government with, as in this case, material loss to the person concerned?
I do not know whether the Deputy is quite familiar with all the circumstances of this case. If he is not, I would like to put him in possession of the facts. In 1939 Mr. Reilly was awarded an old age pension at the rate of 10/- a week. In 1946 it was discovered that he was in receipt of a pension from the British Army authorities of 15/- a week, whereupon, in 1946, his old age pension was reduced from 10/- to 1/-.
I know that.
Last year, 1948, under the Social Welfare Act, that pension which was reduced in 1946 from 10/- to 1/- was increased to 7/6. Mr. Reilly may, therefore, thank this Government for having passed that Act.
I am aware of all that, but is the Minister aware that this man is in rather destitute circumstances and he confided in me that despite the fact that the old age pension was increased he is not able to purchase even a shirt?
The means test was abolished.
Has the Minister taken into consideration the increase in the cost of living?