asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in the case of deserted wives who have no child dependants, he will reduce the age limit for payment of the allowance for such cases from 50 years to 45 years.
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers. - Deserted Wives' Allowances.
21.
Mr. J. Lenehan
As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware, the scheme of allowances for deserted wives has been in operation only since 1st October, 1970. This scheme is an entirely new one in the field of social welfare and as it is still only in the experimental stage it is too soon yet to consider any alteration in it. The working of the scheme is being kept under review, however, with a view to effecting such improvements therein, including, possibly, the lowering of the age limit applicable in the case of deserted wives without a dependent child, as experience may indicate are desirable and feasible.