While welcoming this Bill which at this Stage is like a death-bed repentance as we are going to make restitution to the people from whom we filched a shilling some years ago—the most defenceless section of the community—I regret that the Minister has not gone the whole way and come back to the position we were in before the cut in the old age pensions took place. Under the provisions of this Bill it is proposed that certain people will get back the shilling that was taken off the pensions some years ago, but the question as to means has not been brought back to that stage. I am glad the Minister has brought in this Bill even though it only makes restitution to certain numbers of the old age pensioners, but I regret that he has not gone the whole-hog because it appears to me a premium is being put on thriftlessness. A person who may have been thrifty during life and saved a little money is going to be penalised because of that fact. Most of the old age pensioners belong to the working class and many of that class pay contributions weekly to trades unions, tontine societies and friendly benefit societies so that when past their labour they will have some provision for their old age. The dreadful trades unions of which we hear so much condemnation have what is known as superannuation funds for men and women and after a certain number of years membership these people are entitled to an allowance. The same thing applies to many of the friendly benefit societies. What really happens now with the regulations that have been made with regard to the means is, that most of these trades unions and friendly societies have reduced the superannuation allowance to their members, because if they gave it the State would be evading its responsibility. Under this Bill a person would be entitled to have an income up to six shillings a week in order to get an increase of one shilling in the old age pension. In other words, an income of £15 12s. would entitle a person to receive the full benefit of this Bill and get ten shillings a week. If a person had seven shillings a week, the State would reduce the amount of the benefit by one shilling a week, and he would only get a pension of nine shillings. Now that the Government is prepared to make some restitution to the old age pensioners it is to be regretted that they have not gone the whole hog. Apart from party, I think every section of the community is satisfied that the aged poor should be provided for; people that have given their life's service in and to the State, in their old age ought at least to get what would keep them in decency and comfort. Having regard to the cost of necessaries to-day, no one can say that the magnificent sum of sixteen shillings is sufficient to keep body and soul together. I regret that the Minister has not come back to the position we were in before the change in the pensions was made. Nevertheless, we are thankful for small mercies, and I congratulate the Minister for having restored the cut to the poorest of the old age pensioners.
PRIVATE BUSINESS. - OLD AGE PENSIONS BILL, 1928 (CERTIFIED BY THE CEANN COMHAIRLE OF THE DAIL AS A MONEY BILL)—SECOND STAGE.
Question: "That the Bill be read a Second Time."
Question put, and agreed to.