asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware of the hardships being borne by widows and orphans owing to the application of the means test; and if he will introduce proposals for legislation that will allow applications for pensions under the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Act to be more favourably treated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Widows' and Orphans' Pensions.
Mr. Byrne
The special food allowances which have been provided by the Government for certain classes in receipt of assistance from public funds constitute a substantial increase in present pension rates. These classes include persons in receipt of widows' and orphans' pensions in urban areas. Such persons also receive special consideration in connection with the scheme for the provision of fuel in non-turf areas. It is not proposed to introduce legislation modifying the means test applicable to non-contributory pensions under the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Acts.
Mr. Byrne
The Minister must be aware that many complaints are being received as to the means test being too rigidly enforced.
The Minister is aware of the value of the food voucher scheme, and that these special food allowances constitute a substantial increase in present pension rates.
Mr. Byrne
The Parliamentary Secretary is answering the wrong question.
The Parliamentary Secretary has answered the Deputy's basic question.
In the case of a widow with five children there is an increase of 123 per cent., and in the case of a widow with seven children there is an increase of 139 per cent.
Mr. Byrne
I suggest, Sir, that the Minister anticipated some other question, and that is the reason why he is giving this answer. Is it the Parliamentary Secretary's intention to investigate the grievances of those who complain that the means test is being too rigidly enforced?
At any rate, the value of the pensions has been increased by over 100 per cent.
Mr. Byrne
I have asked the Parliamentary Secretary a question, and he is evidently answering the wrong question.
The Deputy may not repeat a question three times.
Mr. Byrne
I asked whether it was the intention to examine the question of complaints as to the means test being too rigidly enforced. That was my question, Sir, and I submit that I have not got an answer to it.
The Chair has no function in that regard.