asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the correct rate of old age pension is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow given the fact that he has to support his wife, a retarded daughter of 38 years and two sons aged 22 and 17 years who are in full time education.

An appeals officer recently decided that the person concerned is entitled to pension at the rate of £47.05 per week. This is the appropriate rate for a man, wife and one qualified child, where the means assessment is in the range £12 to £14 a week. An increase of pension is not payable in respect of a son who is over 18 years of age. The daughter referred to by the Deputy is receiving disability benefit from my Department in her own right.

Question No. 4 has gone for written reply.

5.