asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider extending the benefits given to farmers with valuations of less than £30 under the Social Welfare Act, 1951, to other sections with similar valuations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Act.
The amendment brought about by Section 2 of the Social Welfare Act, 1951, in relation to small farmer claimants to old age pension was largely in furtherance of the Government's general policy of inducing young people to stay on the land by encouraging the old people to hand over to them. I do not feel that the desirability of the measure as regards other sections of the community exists, and I do not, accordingly, propose amending the section to extend its provision.
Is it not a fact that the Minister and his colleagues issued a Press announcement on March 3rd indicating that this kind of case would be dealt with under their alternative proposals in the Social Welfare Bill?
No, we only dealt with agricultural holdings.
With everybody?
No, agricultural holdings. The Deputy was far too impressed by our proposals.
Does not the Minister think it unfair that people like publicans and small business people with valuations of £30 are not entitled to any benefit under this amended legislation while farmers with similar valuations are entitled? I think it is the general consensus of opinion, as this benefit is given to farmers, that it should be extended to people like publicans and small business people in the provincial towns.
I suggest to the Deputy that when we bring in the legislation that can be argued out. It is not easy to do it by way of question and answer.