Vol. 492 No. 4
267 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the proposals, if any, he has for the earlier payment of budgetary increases in social welfare allowances, benefits and pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14202/98]
This year's social welfare increases, including the special £5 increase for old age pensioners, came into effect from the beginning of this month, two weeks earlier than in previous years. The question of future increases in social welfare payments, including the timing of these increases, are matters to be decided in a budgetary context having regard to the available resources and in the light of the Government's other commitments arising from An Action Programme for the Millennium and Partnership 2000.
