asked the Minister for Labour the amount paid out of the Redundancy Fund in 1974; the present state of the fund; and the estimated disbursements from the fund in the present financial year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Redundancy Fund.
13.
The amount paid out of the Redundancy Fund in 1974 was approximately £3,348,000.
The amount in the Redundancy Fund is approximately £160,000.
It is difficult to estimate what the actual disbursements from the fund will be in the present financial year, though disbursements in relation to redundancies may be greater than last year on present trends.
Does the Minister anticipate an increase in the stamp in respect of redundancy?
As the Deputy is aware, we did not seek any increase in the stamp last year. When the Deputy was Minister in 1971 and 1972 there was an increase. It is possible, indeed it is probable, there will be an increase in the stamp this year. I should add that last year we provided for an extension of the weekly payments to older workers, raised the limit and made several other improvements.
Would the Minister consider reissuing the booklet on redundancy payments because there is a great deal of confusion at the moment trying to find out what the age limits are?
That is a separate matter.
We will certainly give consideration to that.