asked the Taoiseach what would be the sum required in terms of present costs to pay for the needs of social groups 4 and 5, as ascertained in the Household Budget Survey, 1951-52—Table XIII.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Household Budget Survey
5.
The figures which appear in Table XIII of the Report of the Household Budget Inquiry, 1951-52, represent the actual weekly expenditure returned by households in the various social groups and cannot be considered as representing their "needs". It is estimated that at prices ruling in mid-November, 1958, an average weekly expenditure of 223/- would be required to purchase the same quantum of goods and services as those purchased in 1951-52 by households in social group 4 and that the corresponding figure for social group 5 would be 141/-.
Surely the Taoiseach does not suggest that what the people in group 5 bought was in excess of what they needed? The items covered were rent, clothing and food. These are essentials; surely the Taoiseach does not consider them luxuries.
The items covered are food, clothing, fuel, housing and sundries.
Are not these factors which ought to be taken into consideration in assessing the needs of, amongst others, old age pensioners, who are included in this group, in assessing the amount that should be paid to them in their old age pensions?
That is a separate matter.
Surely it arises out of the Taoiseach's answer. They are not concerned with the old age pensioners.