asked the Taoiseach the total number of pensioners in the State with pensions of (a) under £1 per week, (b) £1 to £2 per week, (c) £2 to £3 per week, (d) £3 to £4 per week, (e) £4 to £5 per week, (f) £5 to £7 10s per week, (g) £7 10s to £10 per week and (h) over £10 per week.

Comprehensive information relating to the total number of pensioners in the State is not available.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the required information for all persons in receipt of old age, blind and widows' pensions (both contributory and non-contributory).

Following is the Statement:

NUMBER of persons in September/October 1968 in receipt of Old Age, Blind and Widows' Pensions (Contributory and non-Contributory).

*Because a relatively minor amount of estimation was involved the figures are given to the nearest 50 in each case.