Because of the emigration and migration patterns of the forties and fifties many old age pensioners in Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Donegal and western counties have small British pensions. These are topped up by the Department of Social Welfare to bring the combined pensions up to the level of non-contributory old age pension entitlements. The amount these pensioners get from the Department is dictated by means-testing and is based on the size of their British pensions.
However, the British pensions are paid in sterling. Only a short while ago the exchange rate was IR£1 to 92p or 93p sterling. Now the exchange rate is one IR£1 for £1.08 sterling. Suddenly these old age pensioners have taken a drastic cut in their pensions. The British element has declined in purchasing power here by maybe 15 per cent, depending on which day of the week it is or whether Michael Heseltine is opening or closing coal mines. Legally and morally the old age pensioners are entitled to have the shortfall made good. When sterling was riding high full account was taken of this in the means test. Now, when sterling is in free fall appropriate adjustments should be made.
There is another group of people involved — those who just missed qualifying for any Irish non-contributory old age pension and the various schemes that go with it because of the value of sterling. These people should be notified now and asked to reapply. I am delighted to see the Minister here at this early hour of the morning and I ask him to ensure that the necessary adjustments are made immediately, not in six months time and not just on a once a year basis. It is no answer to tell these pensioners to seek supplementary welfare or to meet the community care officers. How would any of us react if, overnight, we had to take a 15 per cent cut in our pay? These pensioners have a right under the Department's own rules to have the buying power of their pensions fully restored and with back money.