asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that it is a source of grave annoyance to the wives of labourers earning approximately £3 weekly that they are not entitled to an old age pension, and, if so, if he will consider introducing proposals for legislation to rectify their grievance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions.
I am not aware of the existence of the grievance mentioned by the Deputy. I presume the reference is to the provision by which, in the case of a married couple living together, half the joint income is attributed to each in computing means for old age pension purposes. I do not contemplate altering that provision but proposals I have under consideration for presentation to the Dáil may provide for raising the statutory means limit for old age pensions.
Does not the Minister believe that these people have a justifiable grievance? The wife of a labourer earning £3 a week is not entitled to an old age pension while farmers with 20 cows have qualified for full old age pensions. I think that is very unjust. It sounds rather peculiar that the Minister is not aware of any great grievance on the part of these people. They have a very definite grievance.
Of course it depends on the interpretation of the word "grievance". They may complain but there is no genuine grievance. It is contemplated raising the means test. As regards the farmer with 20 cows, he has divested himself of that property before he gets the pension.
Is it not part and parcel of the 17-point programme that the means test is to be abolished?
No, it is to be raised.
I know of the case of a labourer's wife whose husband is only earning 55/- a week who is not entitled to an old age pension.
And was not for the last three years.
Perhaps the Minister will bring in legislation to give them what they are justifiably entitled to.
We are going to deal with the means test.