asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any decision has been arrived at regarding the claims of the unemployed for a 25 per cent. increase in unemployment assistance payments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increase in Unemployment Assistance Payments.
I have nothing to add to my reply to the similar question asked by the Deputy on the 7th October, 1937.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I should like to know if he would give the matter his consideration in view of the rapid increase in the cost of living and the fact that the unemployment allowances were fixed so far back as 1931, since when the purchasing power of the £ is 4/3 less. That is the statement made by the Dublin Unemployed Men's Association, and I should be glad if the Minister would give his consideration to it.
I refer the Deputy to the reply I made on the 7th October.
Mr. Byrne
But there is nothing in the reply, and that is not giving them anything towards paying for bread, the price of which has been increased recently.