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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Oct 1947

Vol. 108 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increases of State Pensions.

asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of the continued increase in the cost of living, and the hardships already experienced by persons in receipt of low rates of pension from the State, he is now prepared to introduce proposals for legislation to grant increases to such persons.

There has been no change in the position indicated in my reply to the Deputy's previous question of the 3rd July last on this subject.

Is the Minister not aware of the fact that the Press to-day reports a rise of 14 points in the cost of living within the past three months? Everybody, of course, is aware that prices have rocketed considerably during the past seven years. Is the Minister not aware that there are many people now trying to subsist on pensions awarded at a time when the £ had a much higher purchasing value than it has to-day? In view of this fact, will the Minister re-examine the whole position with a view to doing for State pensioners here what is being done for them in the Six Counties and in Great Britain, namely, to recognise that the shrunken value of their pensions merits an increase in existing circumstances?

Is the Minister aware that the decline in the yield of barley and wheat this year ranges from 30 to 70 per cent.?

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