asked the Minister for Social Welfare why the most recent increase in old age (contributory) pension did not include an increase in respect of a dependent wife or invalid husband.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions.
22.
As the addition to the basic rate of old age contributory pension in respect of a dependent wife or invalid husband had been repeatedly increased in recent years at a rate which was not only greater than the rate of increase in the basic rates of pension but was also greatly in excess of any increase which would have been warranted by reference to the rise in the cost of living, a further increase in October, 1970, following that already awarded from January, 1970, would not have been justified. Moreover, I would remind the Deputy that in October, 1970, the basic rate of old age contributory pension was increased by 87½ new pence a week, which brought the total payment for a man and wife to £8.50 a week. This, I may say, compares more than favourably with the corresponding payment of £8.20 to a married pensioner over 70 in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Would the Minister tell the House by what standard he says it would not have been justified? What is the Minister's standard in deciding whether something is justified?
In relation to the amount of money at the disposal of the Minister to allocate, and in relation to the increases being granted to other persons under the social welfare code.
Considering that the current expenditure of the Government has gone up almost £100 million in the past 12 months compared with the previous year, I should have imagined that a few pounds might have been made available for this purpose.
Would the Minister not agree that the people referred to are under the subsistence level, and how does he then say that the increase they are getting more than compensates for the increased cost of living?
In each successive year the amount that would be war-ranted to keep abreast of the cost of living is shown by the consumer price index. The increase given was more.
Is not the Minister saying that the percentage increase given is the same as that given outside? Is not that where his Department have fallen down?
The rate of increase has been very satisfactory.