Michael Ring
Question:440 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive the QAA of their spouse's contributory old age pension issued in their own name. [24366/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
It is necessary to write to both spouses with regard to providing a separate payment arrangement as requested by the Deputy. This is now being arranged and the position will be further examined when a reply is received.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:441 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will extend the living alone allowance to people who are in receipt of a British pension but who are living permanently here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24405/02]
The living alone allowance, which amounts to €7.70 per week, is payable to people who are in receipt of certain social welfare type payments and who reside alone. It is not a payment in its own right but an allowance which can only be paid as a supplement to an Irish social welfare payment. As such, it cannot be paid to people without a social welfare entitlement or to those whose pension payments are made under the social security regimes of the UK or other countries. Proposals to change the current eligi bility arrangements would have to be considered in a budgetary context.