Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Feb 1998

Vol. 486 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

64 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will bring forward the implementation date for social welfare increases announced in the budget in view of the fact that the 1998 budget was introduced two months earlier than in previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2550/98]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

In recognition of the fact that the 1998 budget was announced earlier this year, the increases in social welfare payment rates will come into effect from the first week in June. This means that the new higher payment rates will be paid for 31 weeks in 1998 as opposed to 29 weeks in previous years.