andMr. Tierney asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that a number of people in receipt of special allowances have now qualified for a contributory old age pension which is not subject to a means test; and, if so, if he will now restore to these people the reduction made in their allowances when their wives qualified for contributory old age pensions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Special Allowances: Old Age Pension Deductions.
19.
I am aware that some persons in receipt of special allowances have qualified for a contributory old age pension. No person has, however, suffered any reduction in his special allowance by reason of his wife's having qualified for a contributory old age pension, or, indeed, as a result of his having himself so qualified.
I may add that I hope to introduce at an early date legislative proposals for increases in the appropriate annual sums for the purposes of the award of special allowances. Concurrently, I shall announce the arrangements proposed for the future for taking into account both contributory and noncontributory old age pensions as means in the award of special allowances.