asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether unfurnished lodgings reserved under a deed of transfer of a farm are deemed to be means for the purpose of disqualifying an old age pensioner from the 5/- a week increase in old age pensions provided for those who have no other income.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Assessment of Means for Pension Increase.
146.
I would refer the Deputy to the Official Report of the Dáil Debate on Thursday, 20th October last, in which my predecessor set out the position in this respect. The reference is vol. 224, No. 12, columns 1776-1777.
Surely the Minister will agree that there cannot be an income from four walls and a roof, entirely and completely unfurnished? How does the Minister assess an income from an unfurnished lodging with permission to remain under the roof?
It is an extremely mean application.
There must be a difference, just the same, all the way down the line—the person who has to pay for his accommodation, the old age pensioner living alone or with his wife——
They are being caught, too. If they have a vested cottage, you are not giving it to them.
The person enjoys the residence, and without any cost——
Did I not hear the Minister say, during the Kerry by-election, that he was having the matter re-examined and that he had received hundreds of letters from Deputy O'Connor?
We granted pensions to a good many who came in later. I pointed out to the House——
It was political expediency, in order to win the by-election.
Question No. 147.
Arising out of the Minister's reply——
Question No. 147.
They do not like to be reminded of the false promises they made in Kerry.
The Deputy may not be allowed to put any supplementary question. I have allowed ten supplementary questions on this particular question.
Do not get involved in West Donegal.
147.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether an application (name supplied) for an increase in the maximum rate of old age pension was refused the increase because the cottage and plot appurtenant thereto was valued as means; and if he will take immediate steps to ensure that the premises in which an applicant resides are not taken into account for means for this purpose.
Following representations by the Deputy, this case was referred for re-investigation and is at present awaiting decision by the local pension committee.