With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to answer Question Nos. 124 to 130 together.
The total number receiving maximum old age non-contributory pension on 31st October, 1966, was calculated at 73,100. So far the number who have qualified for the old age pension increase, comprising those who have no means assessed against them, is 10,074. Statistics of these have not been kept separately in respect of each county. In addition, 2,700 widows have qualified for the extra 5/-.
In regard to unemployment assistance it is estimated that 20,000 recipients and 10,000 adult dependants benefited from the increase. The total number benefiting was, therefore, about 42,774.
The numbers in receipt of old age non-contributory pension in Counties Cavan and Meath are 3,672 and 2,097, respectively.