asked the Minister for Social Welfare the annual total cost of the increases in contributory social insurance benefits; and the effect of such increases on the level of social insurance contributions.

The cost of the increases in social insurance benefits announced in the Budget is estimated to be about £8.6 million in a full year. This will involve increases in the various rates of social insurance contributions and these will be announced in due course when the Bill is circulated.

In view of the fact that we are now aware of the total cost of these increases may I ask the Minister if he has as yet any tentative estimate of the amount of the increase in social insurance? Will it be 2s per stamp or 2s 6d?

When this information is available it will be incorporated in the Bill giving effect to these increased benefits.

Would the Minister agree that this information is readily available to his staff on a projected actuarial basis and should be available to the House?

This information is not available. I can assure the Deputy that the increase will not bring the contribution anywhere near what it is in the Socialist-governed country on the other side of the Irish Sea.

The benefits are not the same.

The benefits are quite close to the benefits available in the Socialist State. Deputy Tully is just showing his ignorance.

Would the Minister confirm whether or not the increases will be in the region of 2s or 2s 6d?

The increases have not been worked out yet.