asked the Minister for Health whether, in view of the increases, and in particular the recent increases, in the cost of living since the present allowance payable in respect of the wives and families of men suffering from T.B. was fixed, he will take such steps as are necessary to have the allowance increased.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - T.B. Allowances.
asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that the T.B. allowance is inadequate having regard to the present cost of living, and, if so, whether he proposes to take such steps as are necessary to have the allowance increased.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together.
The rates of allowances under the Infectious Diseases (Maintenance) Regulations, 1952, were last increased towards the end of 1952 and are already considerably higher than those of any scheme of allowances under the Social Welfare Acts, contributory or noncontributory.
I am not prepared to consider a revision of the infectious diseases maintenance allowance rates independently of revision of other rates of allowances referred to.