Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Jul 1991

Vol. 410 No. 6

Written Answers. - Free Scheme Extension to Pensioners.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

81 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of widows/widowers under 66 years of age receiving pensions from his Department; the estimated cost to extend the free schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

Estimated Numbers of Recipients under 66 at May 1991

Widow's (Contributory) Pension	30,200
Widow's (Non-Contributory) Pension*	5,300
Lone Parent's Allowance (Widowed)	2,300
Total	37,800

* Refers to recipients without child dependants.

The cost of extending the free schemes to these recipients is estimated at £12 million per annum, assuming similar take-up rates to those over 66 years.