asked the Minister for Social Welfare the manner in which, and when, he intends to implement the Resolution adopted by the Dáil in relation to increased social welfare benefits on 6th November, 1963.

49.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare, having regard to the acceptance by the Dáil on 6th November, 1963, of the motion in relation to social welfare beneficiaries, what increases or percentage increases he proposes to apply to the persons concerned in this matter.

I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 48 and 49 together.

The Government have repeatedly emphasised their aim that social welfare beneficiaries should share in the improvement in national income. Adherence to this principle in the future will ensure, as, indeed, it has done in recent years, that increases in rates of benefit and assistance will more than compensate for increases in the cost of living whether arising from a general increase in wages or otherwise.The extent of increases to be applied will depend on prevailing circumstances, including the willingness of Dáil Éireann to agree to the provision of the necessary money to enable the increases to be paid.

In other words, they will not get anything.

Arising out of the Minister's reply and having regard to the Taoiseach's recent letter, would the Minister get the green light from the Taoiseach in this matter?

What taxes will the Deputy vote for?

Put it forward.

The Minister accepted this motion last week.

I do not consider that the motion precludes me from dealing with the claims of social welfare recipients in the more expeditious manner which has been the Government's practice.

Why did you accept it then?

It would only commend itself to a Party who wanted to save money on social welfare.

And still you accepted it?

Did the Taoiseach not give you the green light?