Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I am considering the extension of the €100 which we introduced in the budget for non-contributory old age pensioners. That is currently not available to widows on non-contributory pensions. It obviously does not apply to widows on contributory pensions because there is no means test in that regard.

On the numbers I gave the Deputy in my reply, he can see that there is quite a small number involved. There are approximately 14,700 widows who get a non-contributory pension, 12,700 of whom are over 65 years of age and approximately 2,000 of whom are therefore under 65.

The Deputy asked about younger widows. As I pointed out that approximately 200 of them are under 50, we are not dealing with large numbers of recipients. Particularly because of that, I have asked the Department to examine whether that €100, which is currently available for non-contributory old age pensioners, could be extended to widows on non-contributory pensions because widows on non-contributory pensions are on the old disregard of €7.60 and it would make sense. It was not provided for in the budget arithmetic and therefore I must see how expensive it would be and whether I could meet it from within my existing resources. My suspicion is that I probably could meet it from those resources, given the small numbers involved.

I will take a close look at that because it is only fair that we should not reduce the non-contributory pension of a widow — or widower, although I refer to a widow in particular — who wishes to work to earn further income. The €100 to which I refer would be useful in that regard and I will return to the Deputy on that matter. In recent days I have asked that the matter be examined.

The Deputy asked about the lone parent review. The Cabinet has now approved the report. There are two reports, in fact, which we are putting together in one document. This report will be made available for public discussion within a couple of weeks. Over the next few months we will try to make solid progress in this area.

The Deputy asked about barriers to availing of FÁS courses. I know of no barrier to widows or widowers accessing FÁS courses. Some courses obviously involve age requirements. Particular careers, training and skills that might not be suitable for older widows would be suitable for younger ones, but I am not aware of any particular discrimination against widows or widowers in the case of FÁS courses.

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