asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the cost of living is approximately 20 per cent. higher than it was a year ago, and whether, in view of this fact, he is prepared to introduce proposals for increasing the benefits payable to unemployed persons and their dependents under the Unemployment Assistance Act.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Assistance Act.
The rates of unemployment assistance were never intended to provide for unemployed persons a substitute for wages. They were merely intended to distribute in the most equitable manner possible the maximum amount which the State could afford to make available. The extra charges for national defence and other special measures arising out of the European war have imposed a considerable burden on the Exchequer and, in the circumstances, it is not considered feasible to introduce legislation for the purpose of again increasing the rates of unemployment assistance prescribed by the Unemployment Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1938.