asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he can state when the proposals for legislation to provide for a comprehensive system of social security will be introduced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Security Legislation.
The matter is under active consideration but it is not possible at this stage to indicate precisely when the proposals for legislation will be introduced.
Can the Minister state the cause of the delay?
There is no delay and, far from there being any delay, there has been considerable expedition in examining this whole matter. I hope that when the scheme is ultimately produced we will have the enthusiasm of the Deputy when introducing it in the House.
Can the Minister say whether there is any possibility of introducing the scheme before summer?
I cannot say whether it will be introduced before the summer or not but I hope the House will have an opportunity of at least discussing the White Paper, and possibly the scheme itself, before the summer.