Vol. 251 No. 10
asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether a decision has yet been reached by the Government in relation to increasing the upper limit of £1,200 so that non-manual employees over this limit may have the same entitlements as those under this ceiling.
18.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether any consideration has been given to abolishing the distinction in social welfare legislation between non-manual and manual employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission a Cheann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 18 together. As I indicated in reply to recent similar questions my proposals with regard to the remuneration limit for social insurance purposes applicable in the case of non-manual workers are under consideration by the Government. I have nothing to add at this stage.
Does the Minister expect that a decision will be made before the final Stages of the Redundancy Bill?
I would.
Can the Minister state if the decision will be announced this weekend?
It will not. This question has been asked repeatedly.
Will a decision be made the weekend after next?
Can the Minister state whether examination of this matter has ended and if he has made a decision he is not yet in a position to announce?
That is not quite what I said. I have not yet made a decision.
How long does the Minister expect it will take him to reach a decision?
I will not give any estimate. I am becoming tired of this question popping up every week.
We are tired of asking it.
I am calling Question No. 19.
