asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that a Garda widow in Cork city (name and address given) who received an increase of 10/- per week in her Garda widow's pension experienced a reduction of £1 5s. 0d. per week in her non-contributory widow's pension under the Social Welfare code, resulting in a net loss of 15/- per week; and if this reduction is in accordance with the intention of the enactments under which it was brought about.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Widow's Pension.
79.
Mr. Barrett
A recent review of the means of the widow to whom the Deputy's question refers disclosed that her Garda widow's pension had increased by 30/- a week since August, 1962, as a result of three separate increases awarded in that month, in November, 1963, and in August last. As these increases are assessable for widow's non-contributory pension purposes, her pension from my Department was reduced accordingly by 25/-a week with effect from the 17th September, 1965.
Over the period from August, 1962, to September, 1965, the widow concerned received by way of a widow's non-contributory pension, a total of £125 5s. 0d. in excess of the amount to which she was entitled. I do not propose, however, to seek a refund of this amount.
This is not an isolated case. In numerous cases, Garda widows have had their pensions reduced because of the adjustment in social welfare benefit. Will the Minister have the whole matter reinvestigated, as he promised to do when a similar thing happened after increases last year?
This cannot be adjusted by my Department. It is not a matter for Social Welfare. In the awarding of non-contributory pensions the means of the applicant have to be taken into account. Obviously, if this has to be dealt with to dispose of this difficulty it will have to be done by another Department.
Surely the Minister will agree that it is more reasonable to expect that he, as Minister for Social Welfare, or his officials, can discuss this matter with the Minister for Justice, or his officials, rather than to have Deputies asking similar questions of the Minister for Justice who will refer us back to the Minister for Social Welfare?
It appears to be a matter for the Garda Representative Body.
They do not deal with Garda widows, as the Minister well knows.
They should.
They do not.