asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (details supplied) in County Waterford is not being paid the old-age pension at the maximum rate.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the pension of the person in question has recently been increased to the maximum rate with effect from October 1980. He has also been granted a living alone allowance with effect from January 1981. The increase has been implemented by the issue of supplementary pension books and a payable order covering the arrears due.

That shows the value of a parliamentary question.

Hear, hear.

A question please, Deputy.

A little preamble.

I was writing to Deputies Haughey and Woods for four years without any results.