asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the hardships being borne by injured workmen through the inadequacy of the allowances paid under the Workmen's Compensation Act; and if, in view of the increasing cost of living, he will now increase the amounts payable to them.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Workmen's Compensation Act.
Under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1934, the rate of weekly compensation is not less than 75 per cent. of the loss of average wages payable to the workman prior to the accident, subject to a maximum payment of 30/- per week; this maximum has been increased to 37/6 per week as from the 1st June, 1943, by Emergency Powers (No. 274) Order, 1943. The Act also provides that where the rate of wages has increased in the workman's occupation after the date of his accident the court may, in certain circumstances, increase the compensation subject to the statutory maximum. It is not at present proposed to make any further amendment of the Workmen's Compensation Act.