With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions No. 57, 58 and 59 together.
The latest consumer price index figure available is for mid-November, 1961. This figure was 151, and showed no change from the figure as at mid-August, 1961. It represented an increase of 2 points, or 1.3 per cent. as compared with the figure as at mid-February, 1961. The mid-February, 1962, index figure will not be available until next month.
As Deputies are, no doubt, aware, rates of payment under the social insurance scheme were increased as from the beginning of January, 1961, in conjunction with the introduction of contributory old age pensions, and rates of payment under the social assistance schemes were increased as from the beginning of August, 1961. The increase in the consumer price index during the twelve months to mid-November, 1961, has, as I have indicated, been not very considerable. If variations of the consumer price index figure is the only consideration to be taken into account, the increase during that period would not of itself require an increase in benefit and assistance rates. I can, however, assure Deputies that the position is being, and will continue to be, kept under review.