asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of widows in the State; the number in receipt of widows' contributory pensions; and the number in recepit of non-contributory widows' pensions of (a) up to £1 per week; (b) over £1 and under £2 per week; (c) £2 and under £3 per week; (d) £3 and under £4 per week and (e) £4 up to the maximum weekly rate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Widows' Benefits.
34.
As the information contained in the reply is in the form of a tabular statement I propose with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:—
|
Total number of widows in the State |
Total number of widows in receipt of |
||
|
Contributory Widows' Pensions |
Non-contributory Widows' Pension at weekly rate specified |
||
|
Up to and including £1 |
440 |
||
|
Over £1 and under £2 |
320 |
||
|
125,888 (a) |
52,655 (b) |
£2 and under £3 |
990 |
|
£3 and under £4 |
4,880 |
||
|
£4 and over |
10,410 |
||
|
TOTAL |
17,040 (b) |
(a) Figure as given in the Statistical Abstract for 1968. Of this total 65,366 are under 70 years of age and of these 54,965 are in receipt of pensions under the various pension schemes adminisitered by the Department of Social Welfare. Of the 60,522 widows who are 70 years of age or over, 48,250 are also in receipt of pension from the Department.
(b) Figures for pensioners as at 31st December, 1970.