asked the Minister for Finance if he will state on what grounds the old age pension was reduced from 9s. to 7s. in the case of Mrs. Catherine Seery, Clara Road, Moate. Westmeath; if he is aware that Mrs. Seery had a pension of £1 per week from the British Government in respect of her son who was killed in the European War; that this latter pension was reduced to 9s. as soon as the applicant became entitled to the old age pension, and whether the old age pension will be increased to the maximum in this case.

Inquiries are being made in this case, and perhaps the Deputy will be good enough to repeat his question in about ten days' time.

asked the Minister for Finance whether he is now in a position to state if legislation will be introduced before the dissolution to bring the pensions of all old age pensioners who have reached the age of eighty years since the passing of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1924, up to the rate of 10s. per week.

There is no intention of introducing legislation to the effect indicated before the dissolution of the Dáil.

There is a large number of people who are probably eighty years of age, and who are not in receipt of pensions. Will the Minister take steps to see that the pension officers who attend the meetings of the Sub-Committees will recommend the granting of pensions in such cases?

Can the Minister say whether any legislation is necessary to bring about this desirable change?

I think so. In answer to Deputy Lyons, I think he should look at the answer he received on the 3rd November, 1925.

I have that answer before me, and what I am anxious to know is whether Old Age Pension Officers who attend the meetings of the Sub-Committees for the purpose of granting pensions will be empowered to recommend the granting of an extra amount to persons over eighty years, or whether that will be sanctioned by the Minister?

There can be no recommendation contrary to legislation.