asked the Minister for Social Welfare the approximate cost in 1982 of (i) 25 per cent increase in long term social welfare benefits including allied health benefits and (ii) 20 per cent increase in short term benefits.
Written Answers. - Cost of Benefits Increase.
742.
The approximate cost of such increase from 1 April 1982 would be (a) £125 million and (b) £62 million.
743.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the increase in PRSI rates for (i) employers and (ii) employees that would be required to meet in full the cost of a 25 per cent increase in long term social welfare benefits and a 20 per cent increase in short term social welfare benefits, assuming the present ratios between employer and employee rates are continued and an Exchequer contribution of 20 per cent to the social insurance fund.
The information requested is as follows: (i) Employers: 2 per cent increase; (ii) Employees: 0.8 per cent increase. These percentages relate to a full year and are based on the present earnings ceiling of £8,500.
744.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the approximate cost in 1982 of a 30 per cent increase in children's allowance with effect from 1 July.
The cost in 1982 of a 30 per cent increase in children's allowance rates with effect from July 1 is estimated at approximately £17,000,000.
745.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the approximate cost in 1982 of (a) continuing the existing children's allowances for the six months to 30 June, (b) the cost for the six months commencing 1 July assuming a 30 per cent increase in children's allowances and (c) the cost for the six months commencing 1 July assuming the implementation from that date of the Government's proposed "augmented child benefit".
The cost in 1982 of continuing the existing children's allowances for the six months to June 30 is estimated at approximately £56,176,000. The cost for the six months commencing 1 July, assuming a 30 per cent increase in children's allowance would be approximately £73,029,000. The cost for the six months commencing July 1 of the proposed augmented child benefit is calculated at £93,608,000.