asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of his undertaking at least to maintain the purchasing power of social welfare benefits, he proposes to bring all social welfare increases announced in the budget in January, 1975, up to 23.8 per cent of the previous benefit figures.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
28.
The increases in social welfare payments just implemented represent increases ranging from 21 per cent to 23½ per cent on the previous rates of payment. These increases not only compensate for the rise in the cost of living since last July, when very substantial increases in social welfare payments were granted, but also effect a notable improvement in the real value of these payments. Further increases designed to maintain the purchasing power of the improved social welfare payments will come into effect from the beginning of October next.