asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the increasing cost of living, he will consider giving a bonus payment to those in receipt of unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance during the Christmas period.
57.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Christmas Bonus Payments.
56.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the increasing cost of living, he will consider giving a bonus payment to those in receipt of old age pensions during the Christmas period.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 57 together.
I would remind the Deputy that permanent increases in social welfare payments were provided for in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1968. In the case of the assistance schemes these increases came into effect as from the beginning of August and the increases in the case of the benefit schemes will come into operation as from the beginning of January.
It is not proposed to introduce legislation for the purpose of making an isolated payment at Christmas.
Is the Minister aware that there was a precedent for the payment of a double week at Christmas time when we had a good Government in office, and is it possible for this Government to do likewise?
In 1955 a payment was made, but the Deputy must remember that we gave more in the last Budget to the social welfare classes than they did in their six years in office.
That has nothing to do with it.
Fianna Fáil gave them nothing for ten years.
Is the Minister aware that the £100,000 which was wasted on the referendum could have been more usefully spent——
That does not arise.
What about the 100,000 who were unemployed in 1956?
Question No. 58.