asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to send a circular to each local authority asking the county manager to give double allowances of home assistance for Christmas; and if he will give sanction for old age pensioners to be paid the pensions a week in advance for the Christmas season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home Assistance.
The payment of home assistance is a matter entirely for the public assistance authorities and I am not prepared to interfere in the performance of their functions in the manner suggested.
As regards old age pensions, I do not propose to make arrangements for payment a week in advance. The pensioners will, however, be able to obtain payment on the 23rd instant of pension orders due on the 25th.