asked the Minister for Finance if he proposes to take any further measures to protect individuals and families against economic hazards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Economic Hazards.
129.
The protection of individuals and families against economic hazards and the alleviation of hardship are matters which receive the continuing careful attention of the Government. I would remind the Deputy that this year's budget gave social welfare concessions amounting to an additional £39 million in the current year and £53 million next year. These amounts are almost five times greater than the amounts provided for similar concessions in last year's budget. Also, of course, provision was made for a substantial easing of the rates burden by a transfer to the central Exchequer of £12¾ million, representing the first stage of the complete removal of health charges and housing subsidies from local authority rates. Furthermore, value-added tax is being removed from food as from 3rd September next and this will benefit all sections of the community but, in particular, the less well-off whose food bill represents by far the largest item of their weekly outlay.
In view of the reference by the Minister to the fact that social welfare payments in this budget were higher than last year without reference to the availability of the EEC money would he say whether it is true that the taxes imposed in this budget are substantially higher than taxes imposed in any previous budget in the history of the State?
The Deputy will be glad to know that they are not, either substantially, or in relation to actual figures.
Would the Minister tell us when there was a higher bill for taxation?
The question relates to the protection of individuals and families against economic hazards.
The Minister made a reply to my supplementary question. Is he now backing away from that? Which answer is he giving?
I am not backing away. What I have said is true and if the Deputy wishes he is welcome to take it up on the Second Stage of the Finance Bill next week.
Did the Minister say that the recent budget imposed a smaller amount of additional taxation than some, or more, previous budgets?
I am not responsible for any interpretation which the Deputy may put on what I have said. What I said I said, and it is true what I said.
It is like the question of the £32 million.
Which was not there.
The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.