Unemployment Insurance Bill, 1933—First Stage.

Mr. Lemass

I ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Unemployment Insurance Acts, 1920 to 1930, with respect to the amount of the contributions payable under these Acts and to make all necessary consequential amendments to the said Acts.

Bills Nos. 7 and 8 are really the same, but because of certain reasons that I am afraid I am not in a position to explain fully, it was thought desirable that they should be introduced as two separate Bills.

General Mulcahy

Is the Minister in a position to say whether the change in the amount of the contribution means an increase or a decrease?

Mr. Lemass

I think the Deputy had better wait until he sees the Bill.

Mr. Morrissey

What does the Minister mean when he says that Nos. 7 and 8 are practically the same?

Mr. Lemass

When a scheme on an unemployment basis was prepared and the heads of the necessary legislation approved, it was contemplated by me that one Bill would give effect to the whole scheme, but those responsible for the drafting decided that legal considerations necessitated two Bills.

Mr. Morrissey

In view of the fact that a number of very large contracts are about to be entered into, the question of the contributions will have a certain bearing on the contracts.

Mr. Lemass

They can at least have confidence that the Bill cannot possibly become law earlier than November.

Mr. Morrissey

That is not the point. In view of the fact that a number of large contracts may be entered into, would the Minister consider giving some indication to the country as to whether he proposes to reduce or increase the contribution?