Vol. 262 No. 6
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline the steps, if any, the Government are taking to improve and update the entire social welfare system as it operates in this country at present; and when it is likely that any such new system will be introduced.
8.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his Department have undertaken any study of the social service systems currently operative in (a) Britain and (b) EEC countries with a view to improving the standard and level of such services in this country; and, if not, why.
I propose with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.
I would refer the Deputy to the various statements made by me in the course of last week's debate on the Social Welfare Bill, 1972. As I am sure the Deputy is aware, improvement in our social security schemes is a continuing process. The development units in my Department are at present pre-occupied with the introduction of a scheme of pay-related unemployment and disability benefits and of reformed assistance services, including home assistance.
The social security system of other countries are studied in my Department, who are always ready to follow any useful headline.
Has the Minister received a request from any religious orders or other such bodies to have their members insurable under the Social Welfare Acts?
Not recently, I think, but in the past we had some informal discussions with clergy regarding the possibility of a scheme that would fit in with their requirements.
Had the Minister any representations made on behalf of nuns, for instance?
Not that I am aware of.
Would the Minister consider such representations if he received it?
I would, yes.
