asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that when the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Act was under discussion in the Dáil in May, 1935, the cost-of-living index figure stood at 151; that in mid-May, 1941, the corresponding figure was 220, representing an increase of 45 per cent. over the figure to which the original rates for widows' and orphans' pensions were related; and whether, in view of this fact, he is prepared to introduce proposals for legislation for the purpose of increasing the rates of benefit now provided under the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Acts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Widows' and Orphans' Pensions.
The rates for contributory and non-contributory pensions under the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Acts were definitely fixed by the Act of 1935 without any reference to variations which might take place in the cost of living. It is not proposed to vary the existing cash rates. The food allowances now made to recipients of such pensions in urban areas are, in effect, equivalent to an increase in pension rates.
If the Parliamentary Secretary considers it desirable to issue allowances to persons in urban areas, will he say why, in view of the increase of 45 per cent. in the cost of living since the scheme was introduced in 1935, it is not proposed to extend that increase to persons living in non-urban areas, which may include towns of substantial size not governed by town commissioners or urban councils?
It is felt that the hardships in purely rural Ireland arising out of the emergency are not nearly so acute as they are in urban areas. I presume the Deputy is aware that the voucher scheme operates in all the urban areas, notwithstanding the fact that under the Widows' and Orphans' Pension Act an urban area is a town of not less than 7,000 population. The voucher scheme is not restricted to that type of town.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware of the fact that, under the scheme of allowances at present in operation, the urban area may extend for one mile from the centre of the town and in that case allowances are paid, but a person living ten yards outside that one-mile limit receives no increase whatever? Will the Parliamentary Secretary say by what process of reasoning it is assumed that a person living ten yards outside the urban area is not entitled, while ten yards away it is deemed imperative for their maintenance that such vouchers be issued, and will he take steps to remove the anomaly?
These anomalies are inevitable. A line must be drawn somewhere.
Apart from drawing a line, is the Minister not prepared to make some allowances for non-urban areas? Surely having regard to the cost of living, there is a case for making an increase in these allowances?
I am sure the Deputy is aware that it is open to the public assistance authority to supplement the pension and to operate the food voucher scheme in rural areas.
But many of the local authorities are taking refuge behind the State allowances and are not prepared to do so.