asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of non-contributory old age pensioners who have qualified for the recent 5/- increase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pension Increase.
15.
Slightly over 10,000 pensioners have so far qualified. This number can be expected to increase as existing pensioners who did not notify changes in their means apply for re-assessment.
Can the Minister indicate the number refused?
I am not aware any have been refused.
Could the Minister not extend this to the next more needy? He received £152,500 in British pensions along with what was allocated in the Budget but pensions were given to only 10,000 people.
This is what was allocated in the Budget and what was provided for in legislation.
It has nothing to do with the British pensions?
Could the Minister tell me if all those in receipt of the maximum amount of non-contributory pension will receive the increase of 5/-?
No, only those with no means. The Deputy will remember we passed legislation to that effect before the Recess.
Then the Minister is making arrangements to have the amount of means investigated before the 5/- is granted? Those in receipt of the full amount of pension before this increase had very little means.
Any of those who are recorded as having no means get it automatically. Others could apply for a re-assessment.
A number of people who have no means are in fact not getting it?
There may be some such people.