asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will increase to 50/- the non-contributory old age pension of those who to the knowledge of his Department have no other means or income whatever.
38.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions Increase.
37.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the urgent need for increasing the contributory and non-contributory rates of old age pension; and, if so, whether this hard-pressed section of the population may expect any improvement in their position in the near future.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together.
I am not empowered to increase any of the rates of non-contributory or contributory old age pension, which cannot be altered except by amending legislation. In any event, as the Deputies are no doubt aware, increases in pensions in common with other Social Welfare payments, and the provision of the moneys necessary to finance them, are normally matters for consideration in connection with the general Budget proposals. Accordingly, I am not at present in a position to say what increases, if any, may be granted in the near future.
Would the Minister indicate, for the benefit of these people living largely in hope at present—one of whom died of the cold recently in this city because she had not enough apparently out of the old age pension to provide heating—that he will give them some hope of a substantial increase when the Budget is introduced? Does he not think it is necessary?
This matter will be dealt with at the usual time, Budget time.
Would the Minister not agree from the subject matter of my question that the sum at present paid in non-contributory pension is insufficient to maintain a person living alone, and in the light of these circumstances, would he not make strong representations to his colleague, the Minister for Finance, to greatly increase this sum in the Budget?
I have nothing further to add to the reply I have given.