asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in view of the low rates of benefit provided under the Unemployment Assistance Act, he is prepared to have regard to the fact that the cost of living index figure, which stood at 149 when the measure was introduced and the rates of benefit fixed, stood at 162 at mid-November, 1935, and whether he is prepared to introduce proposals for legislation with a view to increasing the rate of benefit under the Act.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Assistance and Cost of Living.
I cannot see my way in present circumstances to introduce legislative proposals for the purpose mentioned by the Deputy.
Can the Minister say whether it is intended to introduce amending legislation designed to raise the existing low rates of benefit in the near future?
I cannot say. The Deputy will have to take the matter up with the Minister for Industry and Commerce.