asked the Minister for Social Welfare if in view of the recent rise in the cost of living he will consider increasing old age pensions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions Increase.
3.
The rates of old age pension were increased as from 1st August last by the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1960. There has not been meanwhile such a significant rise in the cost of living as would make it necessary or justifiable to impose on the community the further taxation which would be required to meet a further increase in these pension rates.
In this connection I must point out that old age pension rates have been increased on no less than six occasions since June, 1951.
These increases from the maximum rate of 17s. 6d. which then obtained were to 20s. in October 1951, 21s. 6d. in July 1952, 24s. in July 1955, 25s. in May 1957, 27s. 6d. in August 1959 and to 28s. 6d. in August 1960. If the increases had been granted strictly in accordance with the cost of living figure the rates would have been 20s., 21s. 7d., 22s. 8d., 24s. 5d., 25s. 3d., and 25s. 10d.
It will be seen that these increases have compensated or more than compensated for increases in the cost of living. Moreover the Deputy will note, no doubt with due appreciation, that of the six increases which I have recorded, five were granted by a Fianna Fáil administration.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that any increases given, at times other than the occasions he claims, were given apart from cost-of-living increases?
The cost-of-living increases were a factor in the decision about increases.
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