andMr. G. Lynch asked the Minister for Social Welfare (a) the number of appeals against decisions on claims for old age non-contributory pensions during the last full year for which figures are available, (b) the number of appeals allowed and (c) the number refused.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions.
34.
The number of appeals in relation to non-contributory old age pensions decided in the year ended 31st March, 1971, was 3,646, of which 2,023 related to new claims for pension and 1,623 to questions concerning existing pensions. The records kept in my Department would not enable the other information requested by the Deputies to be compiled.
35.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the recent increases in British welfare allowances, he proposes to reduce old age pensions and other allowances to recipients in Ireland who receive contributions from British welfare sources.
The items which constitute means for purposes of non-contributory pensions are set out in the relevant legislation and I have no power to add to or take from that list. All income in cash with certain specified exclusions is assessable as means, and British pensions and welfare allowances come within that category. Each case will therefore have to be treated on its merits by the appropriate deciding authority but I would remind the Deputy that there are provisions to ensure that an old age pensioner will not receive less by way of pension or combined pensions than he had previously.
Has the Minister estimated how much the British taxpayer will save his Department by such increases to persons living in the State?
That is a separate question.
It arises out of the Minister's reply and not out of the question.
That information has not been asked for.
I could not answer that question without notice.
The Minister appreciates that when the British taxpayers, through the Chancellor of the Exchequer, increase pensions in respect of people living here his Department reduces the Irish pensions payable to these people. Does the Minister regard that as either just or Christian?
That is also a separate question.
This matter has been raised in this House a hundred times. The fact that these are British pensions does not make any difference so long as we have a means test. So long as we have that test any change in income must be investigated.
I know the Minister is as well aware of the situation as I am; he deals with the same type of people. Many people in his constituency emigrate to Britain in search of work. A husband must go to Britain to provide for his wife and family. In doing so he earns a well merited pension. He comes back here on retirement and, just because the British increase his retirement pension, the Minister's Department takes this increase into consideration and reduces the amount paid by the Irish Government. Is this a Christian act? It is indefensible.
Could the Minister say how much his Department saves by this?
I could not say at this stage but, if the Deputy puts down a question, I shall try to find out.