asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the increased cost of living brought about by the Government's recent Budget, he proposes to increase the old age pension.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pension Increase.
118.
Non-contributory old age pensions were increased by 7/6d a week last August and contributory pensions will be increased by the same amount at the beginning of January. These increases more than compensate for the rise in the cost of living since the previous increases and for any rise which may be expected from the recent Budget.
Did the Minister anticipate this extra Budget when he gave those increases?
No.
Therefore, the increases were not meant to cover the recent Budget?
The cost of living index is only one of many factors to be taken into consideration in granting increases to social welfare classes. The increases granted were considerably more than would be justified by the cost of living level.