Joe Walsh
Question:131 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Social Welfare the amount per day by which the non-contributory old-age pension was increased in 1995. [11873/95]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The increase in the old age non-contributory pension amounts to £43.50 for the 29 week period from 16 June to the end of the year. This is equivalent to approximately 22p per day for the 199 days in the period. An increase of £41.40 was paid for the shorter period of 23 weeks in 1994, which was equivalent to 26.5p per day.
Recipients of the old age non-contributory pension may also benefit from other measures introduced in this year's budget: — the extension of the free television licence to cover the cost of a colour licence; — the extension of the free travel to cover travel in Northern Ireland; — the relaxing of the means limit for qualifying for free fuel allowances; — the provision of a companion pass to all those being cared for by a recipient of a carer's allowance; — a substantial increase in the rates of child benefit for those pensioners with child dependants — approx. 1,400 pensioners.