asked the Minister for Social Welfare the annual estimated cost of assessing by means test the noncontributory old age and widows' pensions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Assessing Pensions.
29.
The annual cost is estimated to be in the region of £200,000.
May I inquire if the Minister would consider that this £200,000 would be more appropriately spent on recasting the whole system and abolishing the means test?
No. If this £200,000 were not spent it would cost the State £13½ million extra and I do not know where that could be obtained.