asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he intends to introduce legislation to implement the Government decisions on changes in workmen's compensation.
29.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workmen's Compensation.
28.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will now introduce legislation to increase the present rate of workmen's compensation.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.
Legislation to implement the decision to extend the existing State social insurance scheme to include provision for compensation for disablement or loss of life following occupational injury is in course of preparation in my Department. I am not yet in a position to say when it will come before the Dáil. Pending the introduction of this measure it is not proposed to introduce interim legislation to amend the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Acts.
Does the Minister think it fair that the compensation should be pegged to the figure of £4 10s. which it was eight years ago?
I do not think it would be advisable to take action now that would involve an upward revision of premiums.
Has it not been proved that an upward trend in premiums would be unnecessary to give better benefits?
I am not in control of it.
But you know it.
Could the Minister give us any indication of when this new legislation will be introduced? Would he like to make any forecast?
It will be as soon as possible.
I can see the Minister is doing his best, but if it is to take a year would he not reconsider the request made here to introduce a short measure for the purpose of raising the existing allowance?
If it is likely to be very prolonged, I will have to consider it. However, I would be most anxious to avoid that.
Will the Minister be in a position to say whether it will be within six months or 12 months?
I do not know.
I am sure he would not have any difficulty in getting the House to agree to increase compensation in the interim period.
Can the Minister say whether the Bill to which he refers, and which he proposes to introduce at an early date, is designed to make provision for his announced intention of transferring workmen's compensation from insurance companies to a State operated scheme?
That is roughly what I said.
Would he clarify it? Did he state in his reply that the purpose of his Bill is to transfer the risk to a Government-operated scheme and to adjust the rates? Was that the measure of his reply?
Yes.