asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will amend the Old Age Pensions Acts so that the means test will be abolished in the case of members of the old Irish Republican Army.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old IRA: Old Age Pension Means Test.
81.
Mr. Donnellan
There is no means test for old age contributory pension. So far as the non-contributory pension is concerned, the first £80 of a service pension or special allowance is ignored in the calculation of means and if the remaining means do not exceed £52 10s. in the case of a single man, or £105 in the case of a married man, the full rate of pension is payable.
I am satisfied that the various provisions relating to the means test for old age pensions are adequate to ensure that its application does not militate against members of the Old Irish Republican Army and I do not consider that amendment of the Old Age Pensions Acts on the lines suggested by the Deputy would be warranted.