asked the Minister for Social Welfare if consideration has been given to the statutory linkage of social welfare benefits to the cost of living index; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
88.
It is the policy of the Government to maintain the living standards of social welfare beneficiaries by increasing payments at least in line with the cost of living. This allows a flexible approach which would not be possible if increases were linked statutorily to the consumer price index and enables greater increases to be made from time to time as resources permit than might be justified by reference to the consumer price index only.