asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, having regard to the fact that a very large number of non-contributory Irish pensions have been considerably reduced following the new reciprocal agreement on British pensions and having regard to the hardship imposed in these cases, he will now introduce legislation to prevent the Irish pension from being reduced or withdrawn in these cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reductions in Irish Pensions.
25.
I would refer the Deputy to replies I gave to questions on this subject on the 14th June and the 28th ultimo and to my statement on the subject in reply to the recent debate on the Estimate for my Department (Vol. 224, No. 12, Cols. 1739-1740).
Having regard to the very large number of people affected, comprising some 2,000 persons, who have sustained reductions in their non-contributory pensions, both widows' and old age pensions, averaging 30/-and further having regard to the very large number of persons who have had their non-contributory old age pension withdrawn altogether, would the Minister not consider this a violation of the spirit and intention of the reciprocal agreement entered into between his Department and the British Ministry with regard to the increases in the British pensions which recently accured to our people? Would the Minister not agree that the intention of this reciprocal agreement was to assist Irish pensioners rather than to worsen their financial position, as has transpired as a result of the means test which he has applied?
The intention of this provision in the reciprocal agreement was that the British Government would pay the increases granted in their pensions to their pensioners residing in this country. That intention has been carried out. With regard to the suggestion that this particular item of means should be disregarded, I think it is a ridiculous suggestion and it has no appeal whatever to me. I would not entertain the suggestion for a moment.
Is the Minister aware that it is the opinion of many medical practitioners that some of these old age pensioners, and others, have suffered in their health by reason of the recent action of the social welfare officers of his Department and, in view of that fact, will he at least go into this whole matter again and realise the serious consequences of sending round officers to collect pension books, thus causing general panic among these poor old people?
I did not send round my officers at all. Non-contributory pensions are issued on the basis of a means test and this item of means is included in the assessment of means, the same as with other incomes. It is specifically provided that nobody could lose as a result of this transaction and nobody is any worse off. The vast majority of the people in receipt of these pensions from Great Britain have gained considerably as a result of the reciprocal agreement.
Is the Minister not aware——
Question No. 26.