Vol. 508 No. 3
319 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his views on the reduction in the widows non-contributory pension for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and the justification for this reduction. [19089/99]
Widow(er)s non-contributory pension is a means-tested assistance payment and, as such, all income, including income from other pensions, is assessable as means. Where the means of a non-contributory pensioner increase for any reason s/he is obliged to inform my Department so that the rate of pension may be adjusted if necessary.
As part of its ongoing programme of control measures the Department periodically reviews the means of non-contributory pensioners.
This year a review of widow(er) non-contributory pensioners who are also in receipt of other pensions is being conducted. Approximately 850 pensioners who are also in receipt of a British widows or British retirement pension will have their entitlement reviewed.
The person concerned is in receipt of a widow's non-contributory pension at the rate of £60.50 a week. This is the rate of pension appropriate to a person with means of between £22 and £24 a week. She is also in receipt of a living alone and fuel allowance. Her entitlement to pension was last reviewed in 1993 when her British pension was £25.80 stg a week.
A deciding officer has reviewed the entitlement of the person concerned to widow's non-contributory pension as part of the review process outlined above. Her British pension has increased since the last review of her means in 1993. A letter has accordingly issued to the person concerned advising her that her widow's non-contributory pension is due to be reduced to £34.50. This is the rate of pension due to a person with means of between £48 and £50 a week. She will also continue to have entitlement to living alone and fuel allowance.
