asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether it has been brought to his notice that there is a widespread demand for the amendment of the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Act so as to confer a title to non-contributory pensions on (a) widows over 50 years of age who have no dependent children; (b) widows of small-holders who through economic circumstances ceased residing on the holding occupied by their husbands, and (c) widows of tradesmen not in insurable employment at the date of death; whether he has made an examination of such representations, and whether it is his intention to introduce proposals for legislation at an early date to give effect to the demands in question.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amendment of Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Act.
I am aware that demands have been made for extensions of the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Act under various heads, including the three heads mentioned in the question. The Government is at present considering whether the non-contributory classes should be extended and whether any other changes in the scheme are desirable. As the Act has not yet been three months in operation, the material from which statistics in respect of non-contributory claims could be compiled is as yet only partially available. Arrangements are being made by which statistics of the various heads under which claims have been rejected can be analysed. When this information is available, the Government will be in a better position to consider extensions of the scheme.
Can the Minister say when this information that is necessary will be available, and when the Government will be in a position to act upon it?
It is rather early to make an announcement now.
Could the Minister not now give an indication of the time? The matter is urgent, as he will admit.
We shall have to wait until the Act is in operation some time longer so that statistics will be available.
How much longer shall we have to wait?
Not much longer.