asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he proposes, at an early date, to take the necessary steps to secure the payment of increased benefits to those in receipt of workman's compensation and national health insurance, as the present rates are inadequate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increase of Benefits.
The provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Acts are not my responsibility and, accordingly, the first part of the question is not for me.
The whole position regarding the rates of benefits payable under the schemes (including national health insurance) administered by my Department is at present under examination.
Is the Minister aware that practically every allowance has been supplemented in some way during the emergency except the allowances under the Workmen's Compensation Act? Would the Minister be prepared to give favourable consideration to an immediate improvement in this connection?
If the Minister does contemplate an alteration or extension of existing social services, would be arrange for a White Paper to be issued in advance, so that an informed opinion on the matter could be created in advance of any actual legislative proposals?
The Dáil will be informed regarding that.
I want to help the Minister. If he does contemplate any alteration—and one would gather from some of the replies he has made recently in the House that some alterations are under consideration— would he cause a White Paper to be issued indicating the Government's intentions in the matter, so that an informed opinion as to what it is proposed to do can be created and brought to bear on such modifications or alterations as are likely to be brought about?
I will keep that point in mind, certainly, but nothing can be done, as the Deputy knows, without legislation or an Estimate being presented.
I quite agree, but what I want to do is to ensure that the public may be made aware of the Minister's intentions beforehand.
A very reasonable request.