asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether, in view of the growing demand for an improvement in the benefits paid under the children's allowances scheme, he will reconsider his decision to postpone consideration of the question of improving the scheme, and have it examined now, particularly with a view to bringing the first two children in each family within its scope.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Children's Allowances Scheme.
Mr. Byrne
As I indicated in a reply which I gave here on Thursday last, the Government's next step in the matter of social security is the implementation of the proposals outlined in the White Paper issued on that subject. The Deputy may rest assured that the question of improving the children's allowances scheme is being kept under constant review.
Mr. Byrne
Would the Minister consider the last line of the question: "particularly with a view to bringing the first two children in each family within its scope"?
I have explained that the Government has before it a programme of social uplift. It has already done a considerable amount of useful work in that regard. Its next proposal is to put through the House the Social Security Bill which will give effect to the proposals set out in the White Paper. When these proposals have been implemented by the enactment of a Bill, the Government will then consider the remaining aspects of its social programme, including a review of the children's allowances scheme.
Mr. Byrne
And covering the two children who are not yet within the scope of the scheme?
Consideration of no aspect of the matter will be excluded.