asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the total number of new claims to old age pensions allowed since the passing of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1924; also, the number of old age pensions issued at 9s., 8s., 7s., 6s., 5s., 4s., 3s., 2s., and 1s. per week and the number rejected.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - OLD AGE PENSION CLAIMS.
I regret that the particulars asked for are not available.
Mr. BYRNE
Can the Minister say when they will be available?
A return of this nature would involve a very considerable amount of labour, and, in view of the fact that the whole administration of old age pensions is about to be inquired into, I do not think it would be justifiable to incur the expense involved.
Mr. BYRNE
May I take that reply as a refusal to give information?
If the Deputy likes.
Mr. BYRNE
That it would disclose a handling of the old age pensioners to their detriment and that the pension was reduced not by one shilling but by many shillings.
Deputy McKenna.
Mr. BYRNE
Can I ask whether any case——
I will not hear Deputy Byrne. I ask Deputy Byrne to sit down.
Mr. BYRNE
I asked the question——
Deputy Byrne must sit down. I have called on Deputy McKenna.