asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the great disappointment of a large number of old age pensioners in County Kerry who have not received the recent increase; and if he will state the reason.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Old Age Pensioners.
25.
The recent increase in non-contributory old age pensions has been provided for persons with no means assessed against them.
Is the Minister aware that in my constituency a number of people were disappointed because they got no increase? When they called to the post offices in County Kerry last week, they found that there was nothing there for them.
I am quite sure they were but I am also sure that the Deputy was aware that this increase was granted only to those who had no means.
(Interruptions.)
Is it not a fact that only persons who are residents of county homes qualify for this extra 5/-?
No.
Anybody who is not receiving the maximum old age pension is probably a person with no means and should not all of them therefore be entitled to the increase? Who is entitled to the increase?
Prior to 1st November, the maximum rate of old age pension was payable to people with means not exceeding £26 5s 0d.
But the people in whom I am interested got the increase on the last occasion when the £26 10s 0d was brought in. Some of those have got no increase now.
There is a new means test.
Deputy Spring is no doubt aware that this increase is intended for people who have no means.
(Interruptions.)
Is it not a fact that if a person had a £5 note in the post office, it would deprive him of the benefit of this increase?
No, that is not so.
An old age pensioner approached me last week. He had been confined to hospital for about 20 years and was then discharged and qualified for a county council disablement allowance of 42/6d a week. He subsequently reached the age of 70 and got the maximum old age pension but he will not get this extra 5/- now.
If he had no means——
He has no means. He has no house of his own.
If he has no means, he will get it.
(Interruptions.)
(Cavan): I understand that the Minister was beginning to say that a very small amount such as £5 in the post office would not deprive a person of this increase. If that is so, I should like the Minister to clarify the position because as I understand it, the recent increase does not apply to anybody who has any means.
The increase was all eyewash.
The first £25 of capital is ignored.
In that case I hope the Minister will now give the pensioners concerned the extra 5/-.
If he is assessed as having no means, he will get it.
(Interruptions.)
Was the first £25 ignored for the purpose of this increase?
Yes.
What the Minister says is not correct.
Order. Question No. 26.