asked the Minister for Finance the number of contributory pensions that have become assessable for income tax purposes as a result of recent budget proposals.

I assume that the Deputy is referring to contributory old-age pensions which were increased by amounts up to £2.75 a week in the recent budget.

As a result of the increases in personal income tax allowances which I announced in the budget, persons who are in receipt of such increased pensions at the maximum rate and who have no other income are not liable to income tax at all.