asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether, in view of the continuous rise in the cost of food, clothing and rent, he will introduce proposals for legislation for an early increase in the inadequate insurance benefits and unemployment assistance now being paid to the increasing number of unemployed men and women signing at the employment exchanges, and if he will state the amount being paid to a man and wife without children and a man and wife with four children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increase in Insurance Benefits and Unemployment Assistance.
Mr. Byrne
In regard to increases in rates of unemployment benefit I contemplate, as already indicated in my reply to the Deputy's analogous question on the 31st October last, the early introduction of legislative proposals. As to increases in the rates of unemployment assistance I would refer the Deputy to my reply to similar questions asked by Deputies O'Donnell and Mac Fheórais on the 8th November last.
The weekly rates of unemployment benefit payable to the two classes of applicant specified in the Deputy's question are 30/- and 40/-, respectively. The weekly rates of unemployment assistance for the corresponding classes of applicant where there is no deduction in respect of means are as follows:
|
County Boroughs and Borough of Dun Laoghaire |
22/6 and 34/6 |
|
Urban districts which are urban areas within the meaning of the Unemployment Assistance Acts |
17/6 and 29/- |
|
Other urban districts and towns having commissioners |
15/- and 26/6 |
|
Elsewhere |
15/- and 21/6 |
Did the Minister say in his reply when he anticipates introducing the legislation?
No. I said yesterday that I thought I might introduce it before Christmas.
Mr. Byrne
In view of the increasing number of men who are signing for unemployment benefit within the last few months, does the Minister not consider it advisable to reconsider the whole matter and give them an opportunity of providing the necessaries for their families which are at the moment suffering great hardship?
I said yesterday—perhaps the Deputy was not listening to me——
Mr. Byrne
I was listening very carefully. Speed is essential.
I said yesterday I hoped to introduce legislation before we adjourn.