(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the amounts sequestrated by or accruing to the Irish Exchequer by reason of increased social benefits in the UK; when this practice began; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increased UK Social Benefits.
45.
There is no sequestration or direct accretion to the Exchequer by reason of increased social benefits in the United Kingdom. Where, however, a person is applying for a non-contributory pension, which as the Deputy is aware is based on need, all income in cash, with certain exclusions specified by law, is taken into account as means. British pensions are not excluded. The position has been so since responsibility for payment of old age pensions was taken over by the Irish Government.
These facts are well known and have been explained a number of times. As the Deputy has asked me to make a statement, may I say that I make no apology for having concluded a deal with the British Government which not only secured the handsome additional sum of £800,000 a year from the British Government for Irish pensioners but enabled us, without additional charge on the Irish taxpayer, to provide a further £200,000 for social welfare.