asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the decreasing number of persons in receipt of special allowances under the Army Pensions Act, he will delete the means test.
Written Answers. - Army Pensions Means Test.
387.
There are over 13,600 pensions and allowances being paid by my Department to veterans of the War of Independence or their widows of which 6,310 are special allowances. Special allowances were introduced to give a measure of support to veterans who on account of age or incapacity are not in a position to support themselves. A means test is therefore essential to ensure that the maximum allowances are paid to the persons whose need is greatest. In the circumstances it is not proposed to delete the means test.