asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of his statement in Dáil Éireann that the Government have decided to increase old age pensions and modify the means test, he will state when it is intended to introduce a Bill giving legislative effect to those proposals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pension Increase.
In my speech on the 2nd instant, when moving the Second Reading of the Social Welfare (Insurance) (No. 2) Bill, 1950, I announced that the Government intended to grant increased rates of old age and blind pensions and to modify the means test in respect of them. I also indicated that the necessary amendments to give legislative effect to the proposals would be submitted on the Committee Stage of the Bill. That is still my intention.
Is the Minister aware that a short Bill providing for the increased old age pensions would be of an uncontentious nature and could be enacted within a week? Is the Minister also aware that it is not fair to the old age pensioners to keep them waiting while a highly contentious Bill is being passed which may take a long time to get through the House? Does the Minister think that that is fair?
I am aware of the fact that the Government's generosity in this matter has overwhelmed the Deputy. I am also aware that an amendment on the lines indicated is appropriate to a Bill of this kind and, with the warm co-operation of the Deputy and the House generally, there should be no delay in getting this Bill through so as to enable this increase to be given.
Will the Minister say what objection there is to providing the increase in old age pensions by separate legislation?
Have you not got out of your difficulties of last Friday week yet?
Will the Minister answer my question? As Deputy Cogan pointed out, is it not correct that the benefit of the increased old age pensions could be given much more quickly if provided under a separate Bill than if provided by amending the Social Welfare Bill? Is there any objection to proceeding by way of a separate Bill?
I would appreciate that question all the more if I did not remember that the Deputy and his Party voted against a modification of the means test in 1947 when it would only cost £500,000. Since then we have given an additional £2,500,000 to the old age pensioners and are now giving another £1,250,000.
Will the Minister state what his objection is to answering my question? Is the Minister not interested in this except for its political advantage? Is it not a fact that the old age pensioners could get the benefit more speedily if there was a separate Bill? What is the Minister's objection to that?
That suggestion is too funny.