andMr. Begley asked the Minister for Finance if, in order to mark the 50th anniversary in December next of the founding of the State and the coming into operation of its first Constitution he will, in framing this year's Budget, consider granting a substantial increase to those in receipt of military service pensions and allowances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Service Pensions and Allowances.
24.
As the Deputy will appreciate, I cannot give any indication at this stage of matters which may or may not be contained in the forthcoming Budget.
Can the Minister say if he and the Government have given any consideration to how the savings on agricultural subsidies consequent on our entering into Europe will be used?
Yes, some consideration has been given and it has been indicated in the course of the EEC debate that the first priority in regard to that money will be the claim of social welfare services to ensure that increases in the cost of living consequential on membership will be compensated for. This is not the only matter but it will be the first priority for that money.
Will there be any left for anything else?
The Deputy would be surprised.
Could the Minister give any indication as to when the social welfare increases will be provided?
The Deputy will appreciate that the money does not begin to accrue to us prior to, at the very earliest, 1st February next.
Next year's Budget.
Well, we could be optimistic, I should say.