asked the Minister for Defence the date on which his Department reduced the special allowance payable to a person (name supplied); the date on which this allowance was restored to the higher rate; and whether this person will receive an adjustment to give him the higher rate of allowance in respect of the interim period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reduction of Special Allowance.
76.
A special allowance is an annual sum of such amount as will, when added to an applicant's means, not equal or exceed a prescribed sum. The special allowance payable to the person referred to by the Deputy was reduced with effect from the 13th August, 1964. It appeared from the evidence available that the person concerned was over 70 years of age at that time and consequently his allowance had to be recalculated by reference to the smaller prescribed sum which is applicable to a person of 70 years of age or over. On the 28th May, 1965, the allowance was restored to its original rate with retrospective effect to the 13th August, 1964, when my Department became aware that the claim of the person in question for an old age pension had been refused on the grounds that he did not satisfy the statutory condition in regard to age. Payment has been made of all moneys due on foot of the higher rate of allowance restored as from the 13th August, 1964.
Would the Minister say if it was the Department of Defence which notified this man that he was, in their opinion, 70 years of age in August, 1964?
The Department of Defence was notified that he was 70 years of age. Assuming himself that he was 70, he made a claim for an old age pension. When he made known to the Department that he thought he was 70, we had to take notice of the fact as he had a special allowance.
Is the Minister aware that the special allowance was restored to him only when I put down a question here?
It was restored to him long before that. As a matter of fact, his solicitor was written to on 15th June and payment of the arrears due on foot of the increased award was made on 21st June.
That was after I put down a question.
That was long before the Deputy put down any question.