asked the Minister for Finance if he will increase the centenarians' bounty.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Centenarians' Bounty.
36.
I regard the bounty of £50 as adequate and I am not considering increasing it at present. It should be remembered that the bounty in question is purely in the nature of a gesture or token and the amount has not been regarded as important.
When was the bounty last increased?
In 1970. It remained at the generous figure of £5 from 1940 until 1970. I do not visualise that it will take another 30 years to increase it again.
The Minister appreciates that, if he stays in office for another year, there will be an equivalent fall in value similar to the fall over the past 40 years.
I am quite certain that the longer we are in office the more claimants there will be because more people will reach a ripe old age under our Government.