asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that there is widespread concern among working people, and particularly among recipients of weekly payments under the Workmen's Compensation Acts, as to when it is intended to introduce amending legislation to increase the several payments under the Acts in question, and, if so, if he will state if and when it is proposed to introduce such legislation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workmen's Compensation Acts.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state whether it is his intention to proceed with the proposal to have the whole workmen's compensation code reviewed by a committee specially appointed for the purpose, and, if so, when he proposes to take definite steps in the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 53 together. I hope to introduce in the present session legislation which will include provision for increases in weekly payments of compensation and in the lump sums payable in fatal cases. It is also my intention to seek the authority of the Government at an early date to move a resolution for the setting up of a joint committee of both Houses to review the whole position in regard to workmen's compensation.
Having regard to the urgency of the necessity for increasing the weekly payments—the old payment of 50/- represents about 60 per cent. of the pre-war income of these people when they received 35/- a week—would it not appear that immediate attention should be given to this matter? The second question was one that was more or less accepted by this House some months ago.
I appreciate the change in the value of money and can assure the Deputy that as soon as possible this Bill will be introduced.
That does not solve the change in the value of money.
The Deputy is making a speech.
I am not.