asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether his attention has been drawn to the remarks made to the annual meeting of Saor an Leanbh on 28th June that many children to-day still suffer from chronic hunger, and that for a man with five children a weekly wage of £10 left little for food when rent and other essentials were paid; whether he will investigate the standard of living which can be maintained by persons at present living on social welfare benefits; and whether he will take steps to increase social welfare benefits generally.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increased Social Welfare Benefits.
56.
I have seen press reports of the meeting referred to by the Deputy. The possibility of improving social welfare schemes is constantly in mind and increases in rates of payment have been given regularly to the extent that the resources available permitted.
I propose to introduce legislation very shortly to provide for increased rates of social welfare payments.