asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will institute a system whereby the recipient of a widows pension will automatically obtain the benefits of an old age pension on reaching the age of 70 years.

The statutory conditions for the receipt of old age pension differ from those governing widows' pensions and it would not be feasible, without amending legislation, to do as the Deputy suggests. The introduction of such legislation is not at present contemplated.

Is it not possible to institute an advisory service or have officials give advice to people as to where they stand in matters of this kind?