asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether in view of the general demand for an increase in old age pensions, he will introduce legislation with that effect.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increase in Old Age Pensions.
Old age pensions were recently increased to offset as far as possible the effect of the ending of the food subsidies, and it is not proposed to increase them further.
Does the Minister not agree that, in view of the sharp increase in the cost of living during the past six or seven months, a maximum allowance of 25/- is entirely inadequate as an old age pension?
Is the Minister aware that the means test is now more rigorously operated than ever before?
The Minister is not so aware.
It is true.
I am sure the House is aware that we are paying something in the neighbourhood of £11,000,000 in old age pensions and, while I am sure we would all like to be more generous in certain cases if we could, that is not a bad contribution.
The maximum pension is 25/- a week.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will introduce legislation to grant an increase during Christmas this year to old age pensioners and other needy persons in receipt of pensions.
It is not proposed to introduce legislation for the purpose indicated in the question.
Would the Minister agree that now more than ever there is need for the introduction of legislation to meet the needs of persons mentioned in the question?
I am like the Deputy. I would almost agree to anything if it did not cost too much.
God help the poor.