Vol. 462 No. 1
111 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the first £2,000 of income on the REP scheme will be disregarded in order to quality for the non contributory old age pension, similar to those in receipt of unemployment assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4059/96]
Yes. As I announced on 24 January the first £2,000 of income in the rural environmental protection scheme, REPS, will be disregarded in the means test for old age non-contributory pension as well as in the means test for unemployment assistance. The Social Welfare Bill which I intend to publish in early March will make the necessary provisions in this regard.
