asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether the Government have yet reached decisions on the proposals set out in the Report of the Commission on Workmen's Compensation; and, if so, whether it is intended to introduce proposals for legislation on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workmen's Compensation Commission.
39.
The Report of the Commission on Workmen's Compensation is at present under examination in my own and other Government Departments. Decisions on the recommendations have not yet been taken by the Government.
In view of the shrunken value of the current rate of benefit, in consequence of the substantial increase in the cost of living, will the Minister say whether the Government would be prepared to introduce interim legislation so as to compensate sufferers from accidents under the Workmen's Compensation Act until such time as permanent legislation arising out of the report of the Commission is introduced?
As I said before, it is not proposed to deal with this matter in a piecemeal fashion. We have this report now, which took a considerable time to prepare. It is being investigated in my own and other Departments as rapidly as possible, and I think it is better to wait and do the whole job at the one time.
Could the Minister give us any indication when we are likely to see improved legislation on this subject?
I would not like to give a definite promise but I would hope it would be early next year.
The Minister surely knows an examination of this kind takes a long time, yet the maximum a person can receive in compensation is £4 10s. 0d. Surely a two or threeline Bill could adjust that figure upwards?
Many other aspects, also, have been referred to in the recommendations of the commission and a case could be made for dealing with them all piecemeal. That would lead to chaos.
The Minister is not that simple. The weekly payment is the important thing.
I know only one matter is being referred to here but there is a large number of matters referred to in the report and a case could be made for dealing with them all.
Not as urgently.
Surely the question of increases in workmen's compensation is at least as urgent as repealing the dance halls tax?
What I have said means that we have waited for almost six years for this report and surely we can wait while it is being considered?
Others will wait—not the Minister.
We have not had time to have it printed yet.
Might I ask the Minister what is to prevent him from introducing the same type of legislation as that which enables the judges to get the substantial increases they got?
No reply