asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is prepared, having regard to an article published by the Northern Ireland Minister of Home Affairs, to have compiled and published a comparative table giving itemised particulars of the social services here and in Northern Ireland; and, in particular, the following details: (a) the age and rate at which old age pensions are payable; (b) the rate of unemployment benefits payable; (c) the rate of children's allowances payable; (d) the rate at which widows' pensions are payable; (e) the amount made available, out of State funds, for fighting tuberculosis; and (f) the amount made available, out of State funds, for free hospital and medical treatment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Services.
The whole position in relation to the social services in this State is at present under review. The Government's proposals for the health services have been the subject of a White Paper issued recently and will be before the Oireachtas at frequent intervals in the next few years in the form of Estimates and of draft legislation. I have already announced that a White Paper on the subject of the income-maintenance services is in course of preparation. In these circumstances it is felt that no useful purpose would be served at present by the preparation and publication of the information requested.