asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider granting an increase to the people who received annuities under the old Land Commission annuities scheme for retiring farmers, whose annuities have been fixed at the same amount since the scheme came into operation; and if he will arrange for these annuitants to qualify for free electricity and free television licences in the same way as other old people.
Written Answers. - Land Commission Annuitants.
123.
An annuity payable under the scheme referred to is a fixed sum calculated by reference to actuarial tables based on life expectancy and on the value of the holding sold to the Land Commission. There was no provision in the scheme for the revision of annuities so fixed. The granting of free electricity and television licences is not a matter for the Minister for Agriculture. An annuitant under the scheme is of course entitled to have his eligibility for these benefits examined by the Department of Social Welfare.