asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the deductions or abatements made under the Pensions Act, 1960, which disregarded increases in State and local authority retirement pensions of up to £52 5s were never adjusted to cover subsequent increases; and if he will take steps to have these adjustments made without delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pension Abatements.
61.
The arrangement to which the Deputy refers ceased to be necessary after the enactment of section 9 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1960 and section 15 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1961. These provisions ensured that where a person is in receipt of a public service pension and a pension under the Social Welfare Acts the total of the two pensions shall not be reduced in consequence of an increase in the public service pension.
Is the Minister aware that under the 1960 Act the first £52 5s was not assessed against non-contributory pensioners but at the present time this is taken into consideration as part of the means test in determining what pension they are to get?
I am not so aware.
The officials in the Department of Social Welfare are assessing the full amount. They state that it was only under the 1960 Act this relief was allowed and it was not to be carried forward under any subsequent Act.
The situation was changed and provision was made that one pension would not be reduced by virtue of an increase in the other.
At the moment non-contributory old age pensioners have their pensions reduced if they are in receipt of these pensions. Would the Minister look into the matter?
If the Deputy will give me a particular case, I will look into it.
I will give the Minister dozens of them.