asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he expects to introduce legislation dealing with workmen's compensation.
19.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workmen's Compensation.
18.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when steps will be taken to increase the present weekly maximum payment of £4 10s Od under the Workmen's Compensation Acts; and if, having regard to the urgent need to provide compensation commensurate with the general level of wages, he will introduce legislation to increase the compensation, pending any further legislation which may be contemplated in the workmen's compensation code.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.
As I stated in reply to a recent question, the preparation of a general scheme of a Bill to extend the social insurance scheme to include provision for compensation for disablement or loss of life following occupational injury has reached an advanced stage and the introduction of an interim measure would accordingly not be warranted.
I gathered from a reply which the Taoiseach gave yesterday that the legislation would be of a fairly voluminous kind dealing with a number of matters. Does the Minister not think that since the limit was last fixed at £4 10s. a week, there is an overwhelming case for an interim measure increasing the weekly payment and for leaving the legislation to deal with other questions?
I agree there is a case for raising the limit. That will be done in the Bill. I do not agree that it would be a good idea to bring in an interim measure because this legislation will be ready fairly shortly.
Does the Minister expect that the legislation will be introduced during this session?
I hope to introduce it during this session.
When the Minister says he hopes to introduce it during this session, does he also hope to have the Bill passed during this session?
It might be a bit optimistic to hope it will be passed. I hope it will be introduced.
Would it be unreasonable to assume that the Bill will not be passed until some time next year?
I hope it will be passed before next year. It will depend on the House.
Does the Minister appreciate the feeling of the House that this £4 10s. should be raised immediately, and that all members of the House will facilitate him in passing a Bill of this kind to increase the amount of workmen's compensation?
In view of the fact that a decision has been taken to change the workmen's compensation code, and in view of the fact that the preparation of legislation has reached a fairly advanced stage, I do not think it would be a good idea to do anything which would obviously involve an upward revision of the premiums at this stage.
It would be a just idea.
Is the Minister not aware that the report of the Commission on Workmen's Compensation has stated that there will be an upward revision of the premiums? Is he also aware that his Department are heavily subsidising the insurance companies and paying out money which could be given to people who need it far more?
The difference between workmen's compensation and the appropriate rate of disability benefit is paid. I do not agree that there is subsidisation of the insurance companies.
(Interruptions.)
This is becoming a debate.
I presume the rates of the premiums are decided in reference to the rates of benefit. That is not subsidising the insurance companies.
Mr. Tully
Of course it is.