asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of the substantial increase in the prices of many commodities, he will take steps to increase the rates of pension payable to old people under the Old Age Pensions Act; and, if so, whether he will state when it is proposed to bring the higher pensions into force.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions.
Having regard to the existing heavy burdens upon taxpayers, there is no prospect of any such increase becoming practicable.
Is the Minister aware that, when the cost of living was at its cheapest, 10/- a week over seven days meant less than 6d. per meal? Particularly when coal has risen by 11/- per ton in the last fortnight, it is time to have some increase.
I am aware that when the Old Ago Pensions Act was introduced the cost of living was much higher.
That does not justify the existing situation.
On what statistics does the Minister base his statement?
On official statistics.
Surely the Minister must be aware that the cost of living to-day is very substantially higher than it was when the Old Age Pensions Act was introduced?
I do not think the Deputy or anybody else can tell what it was.
Is the Minister aware that a number of people are already being assisted by the public assistance authority because the old age pension is not sufficient?
No.
Is the Minister not aware that 10/- per week to-day is substantially less than 10/- a week two years ago, and will he not do something about it?
I am not aware of the correctness of the Deputy's premises.
Does the Minister read the statistics published by his colleague the Minister for Industry and Commerce, which will show that the cost of living is admitted by the Minister for Industry and Commerce to be substantially higher to-day than it was two years ago?