asked the Minister for Social Welfare if an additional sum has ever been granted during the Christmas period to recipients of social welfare benefit; if so, when and how much; and if he will consider granting an increase for the forthcoming Christmas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increased Social Welfare Benefits.
18.
During the 1955 Christmas period, persons who had been entitled to disability benefit continuously during the immediately preceding 51 weeks received an extra week's payment of benefit. The object of this additional payment, provision for which was made in the Social Welfare (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1955, was to provide compensation for the increase in the price of tea following the withdrawal of the Exchequer subsidy.
It is not proposed to introduce legislation for the purpose indicated by the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware that everyone is expected to be a bit soft at Christmas? Even the Lord Mayor gives out turkeys and free dinners. The State releases people from jail. That is as much as it does. Perhaps the Minister would consider the matter, if not this Christmas, next Christmas. As the Minister should be aware, if a man is used to such fare as black and white pudding, he has no change at Christmas unless he gets some extra money. A little extra once a year would not break the State.