asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the weekly rate of old age pension now required to equal the rate paid 20 years ago.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions Rates.
The amount corresponding to the maximum weekly old age pension rate of 10/- payable in 1938, adjusted in proportion to the Consumer Price Index as at mid-August, 1958, is 26s. 11d.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider doubling the weekly amount paid to old age pensioners for the week prior to Christmas.
It is not proposed to make a special payment of the kind referred to.
Can the Parliamentary? Secretary say how much it would cost?
That is a separate question.
Approximately £200,000.
Would that not be only a few drops out of the Tánaiste's £225,000,000?
That is not productive.
Would the Minister not consider giving all persons in receipt of social benefits a little increase at Christmas in view of the period and of the fact that there are certain little things which they require? We are not asking for a double amount but for a little extra.
Question No. 36.