asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (details supplied) in County Donegal is only entitled to an old age pension of £5.75 per week although he has no other income; and if he will have the matter rectified and also ensure that the arrears due to him are paid immediately.

For old age pensions purposes the means of one of a married couple are assessed at half their joint means. The wife of the person concerned is employed and he is assessed with half of her earnings together with half of his own earnings from self-employment. His means, so assessed, were in excess of the statutory limit for payment of a pension from 4 March 1982 when his application was received until April 1982 when the means limit was eased. An appeals officer has decided that he is entitled to pension at the reduced rate of £5.75 a week from 2 April 1982. This is the rate applicable to a person with one qualified child whose assessed means are between £40 and £42 weekly.

The person concerned has accordingly received his full entitlement.

I appreciate the existence of the regulations with regard to the assessment of joint means but I would be obliged if the Minister investigated the question of self-employment.

I have a figure here but, at the Deputy's request, I will investigate the matter again.

16.