asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that farmers who retire under the farmers' retirement scheme forfeit the special allowance old IRA pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The means of a special allowance applicant who receives monetary benefits under the farmers' retirement scheme are assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Army Pensions Acts. If his means exceed the statutory limit he is not eligible for a special allowance.

16.

asked the Minister for Defence if he will abolish the means test in connection with the special allowance.

Special allowances were introduced to give a measure of support to veterans of the War of Independence who, on account of age or incapacity, are not in a position to support themselves. A means test is, therefore, essential to ensure that the maximum allowances are paid to the persons whose need is greatest. In the

Is the Minister aware that on page 17 of the Fianna Fáil manifesto it was stated an inquiry would be initiated into the means test and can he tell us if such an inquiry is going on in his Department?

I have examined the means test system as it applies to special allowances which is the question under review. It is clear that, if one were to abolish the means test for this type of scheme, one would spread the money over a very large area and would vitiate the purpose for which this scheme was originally introduced which was to help Old IRA persons who had very small means particularly in their latter years, in which all of them are now. If one were to abolish the means test, whatever moneys are being made available would be spread over a number of people who have not got this need. This scheme was introduced specifically to help those who were unable to provide for themselves out of whatever income they had at the time they applied. I think the Deputy understands this because I understand as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence he operated these schemes.

I did not state in a manifesto that I would abolish or review the test.

It is not stated in the manifesto that it would be abolished.

Has the review taken place within the Minister's Department following the issue of the Fianna Fáil manifesto? Would the Minister answer yes or no to that question?

The whole question of the means test as it applies in this case has been reviewed. It has been the subject of discussion.

That is one review body which is over. It is finished.