John Ellis
Ceist:41 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Defence if he will abolish the means test with regard to payment of special allowance to members of the old IRA.
Written Answers. - Old IRA Allowance.
Special allowances under the Army Pensions Acts were introduced to give a measure of support to veterans of the War of Independence who, on account of age or incapacity, are not in a position to support themselves. The means test applicable to the special allowance has been relaxed progressively over the years and is now far from severe. Its abolition would confer no extra benefit on the most needy veteran with no assessable means who already qualifies for the maximum special allowance, and would tend to defeat the whole purpose of the special allowance scheme.
The means test is essential to ensure that the maximum benefits are channelled to those persons whose need is greatest and its abolition is not contemplated.