156.—F942[(1) Subject to section 159, the rate (in this Chapter referred to as ‘the scheduled rate’) of State pension (non-contributory) shall be the weekly rate set out in column (2) at reference 4 in Part 1 of Schedule 4 increased by the appropriate amount set out—

(a) in column (4) of Part 1 of F943[Schedule 4] in respect of each qualified child who has not attained the age of 12 years who normally resides with the claimant or beneficiary, and

(b) in column (5) of Part 1 of F943[Schedule 4] in respect of each qualified child who has attained the age of 12 years who normally resides with the claimant or beneficiary.]

(2) (a) The pension shall be payable where the weekly means of the claimant or beneficiary—

(i) do not exceed F944[€30.00], at the scheduled rate, and

(ii) subject to paragraph (b), exceed F944[€30.00], at the scheduled rate reduced by €2.50 for each amount (if any) of €2.50 by which those weekly means exceed F944[€30.00], any fraction of €2.50 in those weekly means being treated for this purpose as €2.50.

(b) Where the rate calculated under paragraph (a)(ii) at which, but for this paragraph, the pension would be payable is less than €2.50, the pension shall not be payable.]