asked the Taoiseach what amount would be required to purchase at current prices the same quantity of goods as the 5/- old age pension, first granted under the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, purchased in that year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchasing Power of Old Age Pension.
2.
While the appropriate series of retail price index numbers for this country cannot be extended to periods before July, 1914, the available evidence suggests that between 1st January, 1909, when old age pensions became payable, and July, 1914, retail prices rose by about 5 per cent. On the assumption that this figure is correct it may be stated that a sum of 5/- in January, 1909, would purchase at retail the same quantum of goods and services (including rent) as would 24/6 at mid-November, 1958.