asked the Minister for Social Welfare the circumstances in which a delay in the making of a claim for a maternity allowance will result in the loss of payment of this allowance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Maternity Allowance.
17.
A claim for maternity allowance is required to be made six weeks before the expected date of confinement but, where there is good cause for delay in making the claim, the time may be extended subject to the condition that maternity allowance is not payable in respect of any period more than six months before the date on which the claim is made.
18.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is his intention to increase the amount of the £4 grant payable in respect of a maternity confinement.
It is not my intention at present to increase the amount payable by way of maternity grant. The matter, however, is being kept under review in line with the Government's policy for the improvement of social welfare benefits generally.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that in 1975 a grant of £4 is derisory in the context of the declining value of the £ and the present inflationary trend?
As I pointed out in my reply, the matter will be kept under review. I am sure the Deputy will agree that there have been very substantial increases in the last two years in social welfare benefits.
I am sure the Parliamentary Secretary believes there have been substantial increases, and that is a matter for himself, but a maternity grant of £4 is so small it might as well not be available. Is it the intention of the Parliamentary Secretary to increase that grant by at least 100 per cent as an act of faith if nothing else and of recognition of the fact that we are living in very difficult times?
I have said the matter will be kept under review.
With the permission of the Chair, it is my intention to raise on the Adjournment the matter of maternity benefit and an increase in the grant.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state when the grant of £4 was first paid?
A grant of £2 was first provided in 1952 and it was increased to £4 in 1956.