Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will consider amending the situation where persons in receipt of a widow's pension are restricted in accepting employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37064/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Widow's or widower's non-contributory pension is a means-tested payment payable to a widow or widower whose income falls below a certain limit and who does not satisfy the contribution conditions for contributory widow's or widower's payment. Widow's or widower's non-contributory pension is a payment for widows and widowers who do not have dependent children.

In assessing means for social assistance purposes, account is taken of any cash income the person or his or her spouse may have, together with the value of capital and property, except the home. Weekly means of €7.60 per week are disregarded, and all means in excess of that figure, including those from earnings from employment, are assessed in full.

Any changes to the current provisions would fall to be considered in a budgetary context.