asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider introducing legislation for the payment of non-contributory old age pensions at 65 years of age.
59.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions.
58.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he proposes to introduce legislation in this session to grant old age pensions at 65 years of age.
I propose with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to answer Questions Nos. 58 and 59 together.
As I have indicated a number of times the question of reducing the age of entitlement to old age pension is something towards which we must move, but I cannot say when it will be possible to introduce legislation for the purpose.
60.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will abolish the means test for all old IRA veterans when they apply for the old age pension.
A means test is an integral part of the non-contributory old age pension code and it would not be possible to abolish it in respect of a particular section of the community. Provision was made in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1968, to exempt, from inclusion in the assessment of means, pensions and allowances in respect of old IRA service. As from the 23rd July these are not included in the calculation of means for old age pension purposes.