andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Finance what steps are to be taken by the Government to compensate old age pensioners, those in receipt of unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance, widows and orphans, and other similar groups for the rise in the cost of living figure of six points since February, 1962.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compensation for Cost of Living Increase.
9.
The position of State pensioners, including recipients of old age pensions and other social welfare benefits, is kept under consideration by the Government. Increases have been granted in the past to all these pensioners and future increases will be considered in relation to national financial and economic conditions.
In view of the fact that there has been an increase of six points in the cost of living since February, 1962, would the Minister not agree that that, in reality, means a reduction in the income of old age pensioners, inasmuch as there is no corresponding allowance to meet the increased cost of living, and although the six points may amount to only 9d. or 1/- as far as old age pensioners are concerned, is it not a fact that that sum in itself is of greater importance to old age pensioners than perhaps the loss of £100 to a company director or somebody in the £1,000 or £2,000 income bracket? In those circumstances, would the Minister bear in mind the circumstances of this group when preparing his Budget Statement?
I think my answer covered all the points made by the Deputy.