asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that a large number of widows at present in receipt of non-contributory pensions are finding it very difficult to exist on their present pensions; and, if so, if he will consider including this class of pensioner in the new social welfare scheme which is about to be introduced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Widows' Non-Contributory Pensions.
The question raised by the Deputy is not being overlooked in my review of social welfare schemes and I hope to deal with the problem in forthcoming legislation.
Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the Dáil Report of the 20th June, 1951, Volume 126, No. 2, column 229, when, speaking on the comprehensive scheme, he said:
"I sincerely hope we will have the Bill passed through the Dáil before the end of this year."
He denied that yesterday.
I must say that what I always had in mind was the financial year.