asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether, in view of the Taoiseach's recent statement that a further upward revision of wages and salaries could now be considered to meet the rise in the cost of living, he will now take steps to introduce legislation to give a further increase in social welfare benefits and assistance paid to old age pensioners, widows, orphans, the unemployed, the sick, and others, in order to meet this rise in the cost of living; and whether, in particular, he will take steps to increase the rates of home assistance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increase in Social Welfare Benefits.
27.
The increases in social assistance payments which came into operation on 1st November, 1963, and the increases in social insurance payments from January, 1964, will be more than adequate to meet not only the rise in the cost of living occurring since the preceding increases were granted but also any rise attributable to the Turnover Tax. The rates of payment will continue to be kept under review in the light of any further increase in the cost of living and the growth in the national income.
The question of increasing the rates of home assistance is one for the public assistance authorities.
Does the Minister not agree it is absolutely farcical to pretend that the 2/6 increase in these pensions has proved anything but totally inadequate to meet the shocking increase in the cost of living? If the Minister and the Government are sincere in contemplating salary and wages revision, surely these people should be the first to benefit.
Give us the money to do it.
The increases granted were at least double what would be necessary to compensate.
Yes, for two and a half per cent, but the increase is 22½ per cent.