(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the maximum sum an applicant for non-contributory old age pension may possess in the form of cash in bank, post office, or otherwise, to qualify him or her for full pension where the applicant has no other emoluments or economic aids of any kind.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions.
64.
A claimant who is one of a married couple living together may have £950 capital and receive full pension; other classes of claimants may have £475.
65.
(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present income value attached to board residence as often retained by farmers when transferring property to qualify for the non-contributory old age pension,
66.
(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present income figure assessed to residence for means test purposes in the case of applicants for non-contributory old age pension who have transferred their farm to qualify as applicants and have retained a room or some such residential right in the household.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
No means are assessable in respect of maintenance and only a nominal figure, generally 1/- a week, is assessed in respect of residence.
67.
(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Social Welfare on what basis assessment is made of the yearly value of any income of farm of rateable value with buildings of over £30 which is deemed to have been transferred to qualify for non-contributory old age pension.
Where means are assessable from a farm of any valuation in a case such as that quoted by the Deputy, the basis of assessment is the same as if no transfer had been made. This is provided for in the rules for the calculation of means contained in the Seventh Schedule to the Social Welfare Act, 1952.
68.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will now take steps to reduce the qualifying age for the old age pension to 65 years.
The introduction of legislation for the purpose of lowering the qualifying age for old age pensions to 65 years is not, at present, contemplated.