asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that the recent twelfth round increase granted to retired gardaí and teachers ex gratia is being used to reduce their non-contributory old age pension with the result that their net increase in pension is only a few shillings; and if he will take steps to ensure that their old age pensions are not affected in such circumstances.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions.
23.
The Deputy is, I take it, referring to the increases granted to certain State pensioners as from August of this year. These increases are payable under statute and must be treated in the same way as other similar pensions, Where the recipients are non-contributory old age pensioners or claimants, increases have to be included in the assessment of their means in the usual way. There is, of course, statutory provision for ensuring that this cannot result in a reduction in the total amount of the pensions being paid in any case.