asked the Minister for Social Welfare when it is proposed to introduce legislation amending the Workmen's Compensation Acts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workmen's Compensation Acts.
16.
As I have already informed the Dáil, it has been decided to extend the existing State Social Insurance Scheme to include provision for compensation for disablement or loss of life following occupational injury. Legislation for this purpose, which is in course of preparation in my Department, will be introduced as early as possible but I am not yet in a position to say when this will be.
Could the Minister indicate at all when it may be introduced?
The draft of a Bill is in course of preparation.
Would the Minister not consider increasing the weekly payment of workmen's compensation? I should like to remind him again that it is nine years since the maximum for workmen's compensation was fixed at £4 10s. a week. Wages have increased on two or three occasions since then and there is the recent 12 per cent increase. Surely the Minister must consider it somewhat unjust that a man receiving £15 or £16 per week is deprived of earning that by reason of an accident he sustains while working with his employer and is now required to live on £4 10s. a week?
This is being dealt with as speedily as possible. I am not responsible for the fact that the Commission sat for almost six years on the matter.
I know that and I do not hold the Minister responsible for what appears to be the delay in the preparation of legislation which will be somewhat involved and which, according to his own words, will provide for many changes in the code, but surely he could introduce a short Bill to increase the weekly payments of workmen's compensation?
I do not think that would be advisable at present in view of the fact that legislation is in course of preparation.
It may not be advisable but——
I have sympathy with the people concerned.
Can the Minister say if it is proposed to raise the amount in the legislation?
That is a separate question.
The whole question of payments will probably be dealt with on a different basis.
Will the Minister agree that his Department are losing heavily as a result of his failure to amend this legislation because Social Welfare are subsidising workmen's compensation?
I am well aware of that fact.
Why do you not do something about it?
We are doing something about it.