asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware of the decision to refuse an increase in the appeal of old age pension claimant, ref. g. 6944, Tuam, and if he will state what justification there is for the refusal in view of the fact that such a decision will not encourage small farmers nearing the age to qualify for a pension, to till the maximum amount of land.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuam Pensioners' Appeal.
Mr. Costello applied in August last for an increase in the rate of old age pension in payment to him —5/- per week. It was decided by the central pension authority on the 4th instant that he is not entitled to an increase. The reason for the decision was that his yearly means, as calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Old Age Pensions Acts, exceed £41 12s. 6d., which is the statutory limit for the next higher rate of pension.
Is the Minister aware that this man resides on a holding the valuation of which is only £4 15s. 0d? Is he aware that he has two sons residing with him, making an effort to provide themselves with the necessaries of life, and that they till about one-third of their land? This man has been credited with a certain sum in the bank. Is the Minister aware that the usual procedure in cases of this sort is to give the place to one son and whatever little is made on the farm is put aside for the other? The fact remains that this man has been unfairly treated by the Department.
I am far from desiring to discuss this man's domestic affairs in the House but, as the Deputy has raised the matter, perhaps he will not mind me giving him certain information. The applicant is a widower with 20 acres of fair land. The stock on the farm consists of a horse, a cow, two one and a half year old cattle, two calves, eight sheep, four lambs, and 30 fowl. So far as tillage is concerned, he has two acres of potatoes, four acres of oats, two acres of hay, besides some vegetables. He has a sum in the bank, but some of it was withdrawn prior to the first application. The withdrawal of that sum was not reckoned for pension purposes. The value of the holding, 20 acres of fair land, plus the stock, was calculated, and the central pensions authority are of opinion that his means from that holding exceed £41 12s. 6d. per year. That calculation was made by the central pensions authority, which is a statutory body, and I have no power to direct them to find otherwise or to find in any particular way.
Will the Tánaiste not agree, particularly in view of the detailed survey of this man's assets just now given to the House, that it is high time this degrading means test ceased in its application to our old age pensioners?
That is a separate question.
What is the valuation of this man's holding? Am I correct in saying that it is £4 15s?
Without notice, I cannot say what the valuation is.