asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether, in view of the substantial increase in the cost of living in recent years and the consequent shrunken purchasing power of wages, he will introduce proposals for legislation to raise the wages ceiling for non-manual workers for the purpose of their compulsory insurability under the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Acts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compulsory Insurance Limit.
The matter is being considered, as one of urgency, as portion of a general review of the provisions of the legislative codes of all the existing schemes of social insurance.
If that is so, would the Minister say why we were treated to the statement by the Minister for Local Government the other day? In reply to a similar question, he threw ridicule on the idea. Are we to understand there is a definite and satisfactory change in policy on the part of the Government?
The Deputy must be wool-gathering.
Is legislation on the subject likely to be introduced this year?
It may be possible.