asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange that Garda widows who are over 70 years of age will be entitled to the same ESB, television and free travel allowances as apply to old age pensioners and others.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Special Allowances for Garda Widows.
115.
Garda widows aged 70 or over may qualify for pension from my Department and those who so qualify are eligible for the facilities mentioned by the Deputy. I do not propose to alter this position.
Is the Minister aware that some of those who are in receipt of Garda widow's pensions, the amount that has been given by the Department, have in fact been informed that they are not entitled to receive the old age pension because of the pension they have?
Some of them receive old age pension from my Department.
Once they transfer to the old age pension they will be eligible?
Not all of them are qualified. If they are qualified they receive it. The legislation as of now would not cover them otherwise.
They must apply for it?
They must be in receipt of it.