asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether, in view of the fact that workers under 18 years of age do not receive the full rate of unemployment benefit or disability benefit, though they are required to pay the full rate of social insurance contributions, he will take steps either to reduce the contributions payable by them or to increase the benefits payable to them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Insurance: Workers under Eighteen Years.
74.
In determining the rates of unemployment and disability benefits a distinction was drawn in favour of persons over 18 years of age who might normally be expected to have greater family responsibilities than those under that age. In conformity with this principle, persons under 18 who are entitled to an increase of benefit in respect of a dependent adult or child are, in addition to the appropriate increase for the dependent, paid the same personal rate as those over 18 years. I do not propose to alter the existing position.
Is it proposed to finish questions?
I suppose so.