asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the refusal of his Department to advertise changes in insurance contributions and benefits in the provincial press which is read in many homes where the Dublin daily papers are not obtained, and by many employees and employers to get news of local and national administrative changes; and what steps he will now take to correct this unsatisfactory state of affairs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Advertisements.
46.
It has been the practice of my Department to advertise changes in the rates of contributions and benefits under the Social Welfare Acts only in the daily newspapers on the grounds that the publicity thus achieved together with that given to these changes in the Department's network of local offices and by its field officers is sufficient. Associated Irish Newspapers, which represents the weekly provincial press, has recently, however, expressed dissatisfaction to my Department with this arrangement and, having reviewed the position, I have decided that their representations will be favourably considered in relation to publicity of this kind which is undertaken in the future. Associated Irish Newspapers has already been informed to this effect.
Is the Minister aware that what he stated at the beginning of his reply is not correct? Does he remember that in June, 1952, a large amount of space was procured to advertise social welfare changes in the provincial newspapers prior to three bye-elections?
I do not think so; but I am aware that similar representations which were made in 1956 to the Deputy were rejected.
I remember 1952 when you took half pages.
Will Deputy Lynch please allow Questions to proceed. If he cannot restrain himself, I shall have to take other means of ensuring that business proceeds.
I am thankful to Deputy Flanagan for co-operating in giving publicity to the substantial increases in benefits that have been granted.
They are not getting them gratis; they are paying their share and glad to pay it.
They are paying only one-third. They are getting more from the Government than they would get elsewhere.