asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the estimated annual cost of the provision of free travel for all widows.
Written Answers. - Facilities for Widows.
61.
The estimated extra annual cost of extending the free travel facility to all widows is £600,000.
63.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the estimated annual cost of granting to all widows free electricity and free television licences.
The estimated extra annual cost of extending the scheme of free electricity allowances to all widows is £1,146,000. The estimated extra annual cost of a similar extension of the free television licences scheme is £843,000.
64.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the estimated annual cost of granting to all widows double benefit for the first six months of benefit.
The estimated additional annual cost of granting double benefit to all widows for the first six months of benefit is £1,500,000.
65.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the estimated annual cost of doubling the current means test limit for non-contributory widows' pensions.
The data on which to base the estimate requested by the Deputy are not readily available.
There are some 23,000 widows who are not pensioners at present and many of these would become entitled to a pension if the means limit were extended. Their means would have to be investigated.
66.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of non-contributory widows' pensions being paid at £1-£2; £2-£3; £3-£4; £4-£5; £5-£6; £6-£7; and £7 plus.
As the information contained in the reply is in the form of a tabular statement I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:—
NUMBER of widows in receipt of non-contributory pension at weekly rates specified.
|
Rate |
Number |
|
Between £1-£2 |
435 |
|
,, £2-£3 |
860 |
|
,, £3-£4 |
2,390 |
|
,, £4-£5 |
10,020 |
|
,, £5-£6 |
1,235 |
|
,, £6-£7 |
485 |
|
£7 plus |
720 |