asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the inadequacy of the existing provisions relating to injuries by accident caused to workmen in the course of their employment, he will consider the introduction, at an early date, of proposals for amending the law in this regard and, in particular, proposals for increasing the payments authorised by the Workmen's Compensation Acts in cases of non-fatal accidents; and whether, in this regard, he will bear in mind the very substantially larger payments provided in other countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workmen's Compensation Payments.
It is not at present proposed to amend the law relating to workmen's compensation. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the maximum compensation for total incapacity was increased in 1943 by an Emergency Powers Order, and provision will be made in legislation this year to maintain this Order in force for a further period, during which the position will be reviewed in the light of prevailing conditions.
As regards the last part of the Deputy's question, the answer is in the negative. The scope of our social services will be determined by our own domestic circumstances.
I am aware, as the Minister said, that there was an increase during the emergency. But would the Minister agree with me that the allowance of 36/- per week which is now possible is entirely inadequate for the individual who may be affected, particularly over a long period of incapacity?
The maximum allowance is 37/6. I would not agree with the Deputy, but, in any event, the position will have to be reviewed in the light of the conditions that are likely to prevail. The war-time increase which has been sanctioned may have to be embodied in permanent legislation, but I think we should await the development of events before deciding generally to embody it. After the last war, the war-time increase in workmen's compensation was maintained on a temporary basis for quite a considerable period. In fact, it was not until 1934 that the war-time increase was embodied in the permanent measure. I do not think we should contemplate waiting so long on this occasion, but, clearly, it would be undesirable to modify the permanent legislation at this stage in view of the general uncertainty of conditions.