asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider abolishing the means test in respect of old age and windows' and orphans' pensions; and if he will make a comprehensive statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pensions Means Test.
52.
The purpose of the means test for old age and windows' and orphans' non-contributory pensions is to endeavour to ensure that assistance is paid only to those in need and that those in the greatest need get most assistance. I do not propose to recommend to the Government that legislation providing for the abolition of this test should be introduced.
Would the Minister not agree that the great desire and the general opinion of the people paying rates and taxes is that all people reaching an age limit should receive a pension and that it should not be on a means test?
It would be very nice but I still say, as I have said so often in the past, that if I had the £7 million necessary to do this I would prefer to give it by way of increased pensions to those who are already in receipt of them.
In the application of a means test and in particular with relation to registered land, will the Minister not agree that the proper test is who is in beneficial occupation and possession of the land rather than——
That is an argument, not a question.
What is the difference?
I cannot go into that.
Obviously we must devise a new means of asking questions of Fianna Fáil Ministers in order to satisfy the Chair.
Question No. 53.
Would the Chair tell Ministers what answers are? They do not seem to be aware of where Mr. Flood is in jail.