asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the cost-of-living Index Figure, which stood at 149 when the Unemployment Assistance Act was introduced, now stands at 162 over the 1914 basic figure; whether it is a fact that the low rate of benefit provided under the Unemployment Assistance Act was settled in reference to the cost of living then prevailing and whether in view of the substantial increase in the interval in the cost of living he is now prepared to review the position with a view to introducing proposals for the purpose of increasing the existing scales of benefit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Assistance Benefit.
The appropriate cost-of-living Index Figure, together with all other relevant information, was considered when the rates of unemployment assistance laid down in the Unemployment Assistance Acts were fixed. The figures quoted in the question refer to mid-August, 1933, and mid-November, 1935, and allowance for seasonal movement in the Index Figures is not made. Comparison of the average figure for the four quarters of 1933 with the average figure for the four quarters of 1935 shows a very small increase. I do not propose to introduce legislation for the purpose of increasing the existing rates of unemployment assistance.
Will the Minister take into consideration the fact that flour has increased by 8d. per stone since the original rates were fixed?
I have taken the Index Figure, with all other relevant information, into consideration.
Is the Minister aware that the rates of benefit provided are entirely too low; that the value of these benefits, as they stood in 1933, has been substantially reduced because of the rise in the cost of living in the meantime; and will he not take into consideration that benefits applicable to former figures have shrunk considerably because of the abnormal rise in the cost of living, and will he adjust these figures accordingly?
It is not proposed to increase the existing figures.