asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has received a request for an increase in unemployment benefits and unemployment assistance and if he will introduce proposals for legislation for this purpose at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefits and Assistance.
Mr. A. Byrne
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his previous question of the 13th May, 1953, on the same subject, and also to the reply given by me on the 11th June, 1953, to a similar question by Deputy Kyne.
Mr. A. Byrne
The Minister must be aware that the replies he gave on those occasions were curt negatives; in other words, he would not introduce legislation or increase the benefits. Since then has he not received requests from the organisation of the unemployed and, in view of those circumstances, will he not now reconsider the matter?
Will the Deputy vote for extra taxation?
Mr. A. Byrne
In view of the requests the Minister got to increase the benefits will he reconsider the matter?
I have referred the Deputy to those replies, and said that I had nothing further to add.
Mr. A. Byrne
That means that the Minister will not consider the application to increase benefits. Is that not so?
Question No. 7.