Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 303: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on 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. [37532/05]

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, without dependent children, whose income falls below a certain limit and who does not satisfy the contribution conditions for contributory widow or widower's payment. 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. Under current rules, 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.