asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is intended to give an autumn increase to those in receipt of social welfare payments, as in previous years.
34.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
33.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the sharp increase in the cost of living, he will consider granting an interim increase in social welfare benefits.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
The introduction of increases in social welfare payments in October in recent years was made necessary to ensure that the payments maintained their value in the face of very high rates of inflation. There has, however, been a considerable drop in the inflation rate and this year it will be down to a single figure.
The increased payments provided in April last were designed to compensate for the lower rate of inflation and provide a real increase taken over the year as a whole. A further increase in social welfare payments this year is not therefore, proposed.
Question No. 35 postponed.