asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the increase in social insurance contributions arising from the recent Budget.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Insurance Contributions.
9.
I am not yet in a position to indicate what increases in the various rates of social insurance contributions will be necessary in view of the increased social insurance benefits which will be payable arising out of the recent budget. They will be announced in due course when the relevant Bill is circulated.
When does the Minister expect it to be circulated?
Some of the benefits are payable by the 1st of August. It is obvious that the Bill will have to be discussed fairly soon.
Not until after the referendum.
Surely the Minister is capable of making a simple estimate of the amount of the increase in the contribution. It is just a job that could be done on the back of an envelope. An estimate could be given by anybody in two minutes.
There is a referendum next Wednesday. That is why the Minister is holding back.
It is a possible reasons, but even for this Government it is hardly a credible one.
Would the Minister be in a position to state whether the increase will be more than 10p?
I gave an answer to the question.
A non-answer, as usual.
I have no desire to annoy the House by raising matters on the Adjournment or wasting the time of the House. I put down a question asking the Minister if he could state the increases in the social welfare contribution. This is a matter of interest to workers, whether or not we go into the Common Market. The Minister should state whether the increase is going to be 10p, 12p or 15p on the stamp. He should be able to give some alternatives, without messing around any further.
I do not know the answer.
The trade unions want to know. Deputy Colley told you the answer.
I do not know the answer now.
What are we paying for?