asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the rapid increase in the cost of living, he will consider an immediate increase to recipients of Old IRA special allowances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old IRA Allowances.
24.
Special allowances, in common with public service pensions, will be increased with effect from the 1st July, 1975. I may say that, since I received the written reply to this question I have been able to ascertain that the amount of the increase on 1st July is 29 per cent which, to me is very reasonable.
25.
asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that the reason stated by his Department for reducing some IRA special allowances is that 1974 was a profitable year for farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am not so aware and the question of a statement does not, therefore, arise. I might say, in relation to that, that I have here a case in Donegal. I thought it might be the case that prompted the question. If the Deputy wishes to see me after Question Time, I should like to discuss it with him.
Is it a fiver that is involved?
No, it is quite an interesting case of a farmer who increased his herd from one year to another by 50 per cent. When I read the file I found the increase was from two cows to three cows. Therefore, the Deputy may take it that I sent back the file and I am for him.
It is rather obvious that it is not the same thing.
How many cows has the Deputy's fellow got?
This fellow has no cows. It is boats he has. Might I ask the Minister whether he is aware of a case where the total income allegedly derived from a farming enterprise by a special allowance case was heretofore calculated at £20 per year, that since 1st January it has been reassessed at £25 per year and that there is a paragraph at the end of the letter saying his allowance was cut by the appropriate fiver because of the improvement in his farm income during 1974? Of all years they might have chosen, surely this is ludicrous?
If the Deputy would like to see me after Question Time, I shall be delighted to work with him on the case. I want to assure the Deputy that if I can do it for him, I shall do so.