asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of old age pensioners who do not qualify for the contributory pensions because they have not the necessary number of stamps.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions.
17.
Up to 1st April, 1965, 12,911 claims to old age (contributory) pension were disallowed on the ground that the claimants failed to satisfy the contribution conditions for the award of this pension.
Would the Minister consider extending the qualifying period to 25 years?
I do not think that would be feasible.
Surely the Minister will agree that it is feasible, although it might not be desirable from the Minister's point of view. Surely he will agree that people disqualified, people who have the necessary number of stamps and were excluded from the scheme by Ministerial Order——
They were excluded because of practical difficulties.
But they were not excluded by an Act of this House. It was a Ministerial Order that excluded them.
They were statutorily excluded——
Under an Order made by the Minister. Surely the Minister is aware that if a record of stamps is needed his Department can supply it back to 1932. If that is so, it should be possible to check stamps for the purpose of qualifying for the old age pension.
I do not think it is possible to extend it any further.
I assure the Minister it is possible to check back to 1932.
In some cases, possibly.
In all cases.
18.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, having regard to the fact that the last census figures disclose that 10.4 per cent of persons aged seventy years and over are living alone, he will increase the old age pensions paid to persons who are living on their own.
In my view the most equitable basis for granting old age pensions is that provided for in the Old Age Pensions Acts, namely, that the highest pensions are granted to those with the smallest means.
Is the Minister aware of the recent sociologist's report which indicates that after paying necessary outgoings—light, rent, fuel and clothing—the balance left to an old age pensioner is insufficient to provide him with a diet sufficient to prevent malnutrition? Having regard to the fact that an old age pensioner is living on his own and has no other source of income, does the Minister not consider that a special case has now been made for immediately increasing pensions to old age pensioners living alone?
I am making provision in the Social Welfare Bill that will be before the House shortly for the giving of higher rates of pension to old age pensioners with smaller means than those who are at present entitled to the maximum.
The Minister is reducing the £26 means test.
Deputy Ryan is asking me to introduce a lower one and I think he is pressing me to go on the right lines.
If you get it through the House, you can go on with it.
Yes, eventually I hope to.
The Minister can be sure he will not.