asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether in view of the rise in the cost of living by 11 points he will consider increasing old age and blind pensions, as the people concerned are the section of the community least able to bear such rise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age and Blind Pensions.
The rates of old age pension were increased as from the 17th May, 1957, by the Social Welfare Act, 1957, and no further general increase is at present contemplated.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary consider that the rate of increase was adequate in view of the increase in the cost of living?
All social welfare payments are a Grant-in-Aid and since 1947 there has been an increase of 46 per cent. The pensions were 15/- at that time and they have since been increased by 66? per cent.
That was a great consolation !
Was any increase given in 1947?
I would need to look into that. That is a separate question.
There was not.
There was.