Dáil Éireann - Volume 88 - 14 October, 1942

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Scales of Pensions for Widows.

Mr. Keating Mr. Keating

1129

[1129] Mr. Keating asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if, in view of the increased and steadily increasing cost of the necessaries of life, he will consider taking the necessary steps to increase the scales of pensions for widows, as their present meagre allowances are not sufficient to relieve their distress.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Local Government and Public Health (Dr. Ward) Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Local Government and Public Health (Dr. Ward)

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Local Government and Public Health (Dr. Ward): The food allowances which recipients of widows' and orphans' pensions in urban areas have for some time been receiving and the cost of which is borne by the Exchequer are equivalent to a substantial increase in pension rates. It is not proposed to vary the existing cash rates of pensions.

Mr. Hickey Mr. Hickey

Mr. Hickey: In other words they have sufficient?

Mr. Keating Mr. Keating

Mr. Keating: Does the Parliamentary Secretary know the conditions under which widows and orphans are living in the country to-day, or does he care anything about them? Their allowance would not procure them water, not to talk of food.

Dáil Éireann 88 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Scales of Pensions for Widows.

Questions

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