asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, having regard to the considerable depreciation in the value of money since 1952, he will amend the basis of calculation of yearly means for the purpose of deciding a person's entitlement to services; if he will treble the first portion of capital income assessed at nil and provide other reliefs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Entitlement to Social Welfare Services.
35.
The increases in the various rates of non-contributory old age pensions, widows' and orphans' pensions and unemployment assistance since 1952 have more than compensated for the depreciation in the value of money as measured by the increase in the Consumer Price Index. In addition, the assessment of means for each of these services has been liberalised in many ways and the upper means limits for title to payment have been raised substantially. I have no further changes in mind at the moment.