asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, having regard to the notable rise in the cost of living, he will now consider introducing proposals for appropriate legislation whereby the weekly payments permitted to injured workmen under the Workmen's Compensation Acts may be suitably increased.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workmen's Compensation Acts.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he proposes at an early date to introduce proposals for legislation to increase the benefits payable under the Workmen's Compensation Acts.
With your permission, a Chinn Chomhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 64 together.
As already stated in my reply, given in Dáil Éireann on the 31st October, 1951, to a similar question, I do not intend to introduce proposals for the further amendment of the Workmen's Compensation Acts pending the introduction of the general social security scheme.
When does the Minister propose to introduce the latter scheme then?
I have introduced it. It will be before the Dáil in two or three weeks.
Would the Minister not consider, in the case of workmen's compensation, making provisions for ad interim increases?
No.
The social security scheme has in fact been in the Department for some considerable time. In the meantime the cost of living has increased considerably and the amounts already granted are very small for an injured worker. Would the Minister not consider an ad interim increase?
No. We will have to wait.
Will the Minister not agree that it is entirely unfair to ask an injured workman to sustain himself, a wife and possibly a family, on £2 10s. 0d. a week, having regard to the present cost of living?
What is preventing the Minister making an Order increasing the present rate? I had a deputation last week in connection with a number of workmen's compensation cases and I must certainly say that they have a grievance. It is not a question of a Party decision of any kind. This is a period when we should give something to these men, some of whom had been in receipt of £6 5s. 0d. a week while they were working and are now reduced to £2 10s. 0d. a week, some of them being on that rate for the last 12 months. Would the Minister reconsider his answer?
It would not cost the Exchequer anything.
I want to wait until the social welfare scheme comes up before I consider this matter.
That is a long time.
It is a long time.