asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the increased cost of living due to the emergency, he is prepared to make an Emergency Order extending the maximum means from £39 to £60 within which persons will be qualified to receive old age pensions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age and Blind Persons' Pensions.
I am not prepared to take action to extend the present statutory maximum limit of means for the receipt of old age pension.
Mr. A. Byrne
asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the number of old age pensioners in receipt of pensions at 1/- per week, 2/- per week, 3/- per week, 4/- per week, 5/- per week, 6/- per week, 7/- per week, 8/- per week, 9/- per week, 10/- per week; and if he proposes to amend the means test so as to permit all those and other claimants of moderate means to receive the maximum old age pension.
The number of old age pensioners (including "blind" pensioners) on the 30th June, 1943, was as follows:—
|
10/- |
9/- |
8/- |
7/- |
6/- |
5/- |
4/- |
3/- |
2/- |
1/- |
|
124,576 |
4,012 |
6,184 |
3,105 |
3,935 |
2,172 |
1,095 |
514 |
316 |
159 |
I do not propose to amend the law so as to allow persons in receipt of pensions at less than the maximum rate to be granted pensions at that rate.
asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the general dissatisfaction that exists regarding the application of the means test in calculating old age pensions and blind persons' pensions; and, if so, whether he is in a position to state if proposals will be introduced in the near future for the purpose of abolishing or modifying such means test.
I do not contemplate the introduction of legislation to amend the existing Old Age Pensions Acts. I am not aware that there is general dissatisfaction regarding the manner in which the means of old age pensioners are calculated.
Mr. O'Sullivan
I wonder if the Parliamentary Secretary is in touch with his constituents.
Very much in touch.
There must be no old age pensioners there.
There are, but there is no means test in Cavan amongst the Deputy's constituents.
Mr. Byrne (Junior)
andMr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of the substantially increased cost of living, he will take steps to increase proportionately the amount of the old age pension.
As the Deputies are no doubt aware, food allowance vouchers are, since September, 1941, being given to old age pensioners (including blind pensioners and their dependent children) resident in county boroughs and incorporated towns. This arrangement has the advantage that the quantities of food made available under this scheme remain constant, notwithstanding any increase in the price of the different commodities concerned. In addition, fuel is supplied at very low prices to old age pensioners in county boroughs, boroughs and urban districts in non-turf areas. Substantial assistance is thus being given to old age pensioners towards off-setting the increased cost of living. Having regard to the heavy commitments now being borne by the Exchequer, these schemes represent the maximum provision which I can make in existing circumstances.
andMr. Byrne (Junior) asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of the fact that the cost of living has substantially increased in rural areas as well as in urban areas, he will extend to old age pensioners and blind pensioners in rural areas the grant of allowances of food and fuel now operative in urban areas.
I am not satisfied that old age pensioners and blind pensioners in rural areas have been so adversely affected in comparison with pensioners in urban areas by the rise in the cost of living as to warrant the extension to them of the food and fuel schemes available to pensioners in urban areas.
Mr. Byrne
asked the Minister for Finance if he will state if all blind pensioners of Eire will receive increased benefits by cash or extra food voucher during the coming winter.
The answer is in the negative.