asked the Minister for Social Welfare why widows' pensions have been reduced in those cases where the recipient has received an increased Garda widow's pension, with particular reference to claim Number 2830335.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reduction in Widows' Pensions.
56.
Increases of Garda widow's pensions are assessable for widow's, non-contributory, pension purposes in accordance with the rules as to the calculation of means embodied in the Seventh Schedule to the Social Welfare Act, 1952.
The widow to whom the Deputy refers applied for a pension in 1961 following the death of her husband in January, 1961, but her claim was rejected on the ground that her means at that time exceeded the statutory limit. She reapplied for pension in April, 1965, and on the basis of yearly means of £119 12 2 consisting of Garda pension (£111) and the yearly value of capital, she was awarded a widow's, non-contributory, pension at the rate of 11/- a week from 9th April, 1965. Her Garda pension was increased by £26 a year from 1st August, 1965 and on reassesment of her means accordingly she became entitled to a pension at the rate of 6/- a week from that date.