(Cavan) asked the Minister for Defence if he will relax considerably the means test for special allowances under the Army Pensions Acts, having regard to the increase in the cost of living.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Special Allowances.
56.
The means test for special allowances is far from severe, having been relaxed on many occasions over recent years including, for example, the disregarding entirely or substantially of Budgetary increases in social welfare and other benefits. Furthermore, the matter is constantly under review and consideration is at present being given to the extent to which the 1965 Budget increases in social welfare payments and in pensions will be disregarded in the assessment of means for special allowance purposes.
(Cavan): Would the Minister not agree that the cost of living has increased considerably since the present limits were fixed?
Special allowances have also increased on four or five occasions since 1960.
(Cavan): Does the Minister not consider it necessary to raise them further now to compensate for the substantial increase in the cost of living?
As indicated in the Budgetary provisions, special allowances and pensions will be increased.