asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the ever-increasing cost of living, especially the additional increase imposed by the Government's recent Budget, he has any immediate plans to increase the amount of the pension payable to widows.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Widows' Pensions.
116.
The increases in rates of widows' pensions under the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1968, are more than sufficient to offset any decrease in the value of those pensions due to rises in the cost of living since then or which may be expected from the recent Budget.
Would the Minister even consider the suggestion made to him so often that widows who are employed and then become ill and receive social welfare benefits should get paid at full rate, since they paid full contributions?
That is a separate Question.
It is a very relevant matter.