Edition Bobbett1. Texts by Elizabeth F. Bobbett: 1.1.2. Correspondence, Letters to the authorities

1949 Elizabeth Bobbett: Letter to the Taoiseach, 08.12.1949

Source: National Archives of Ireland (NAI), TAOIS/97/1/1031

Dear Sir. At a meeting of the National Executive of the Irish Farmers’ Federation held in the Ormond Hotel Dublin on 7th December our members discussed the new Social Security Scheme and expressed their opinion as follows: That the proposed expenditure of 24 million pounds is totally unnecessary, and it will create a privileged class, and that all farmers large and small will have to contribute to this 24 million pounds to provide services for others, while having to carry out those services for themselves and their dependents. Will the Minister for Agriculture see that the prices for Agricultural Products are sufficiently high to pay for those services for the farmers themselves and for those who are to benefit? There is a section in every country which is poor and should be helped, but don’t destroy the self-respect of the Nation.

We hold such a Scheme would upset the whole economic system of the country and that such a large expenditure of public money is a matter that should be postponed till after the next General Election, when the Electors would have a chance of expressing their views, and we call on all Farmer Deputies of all Parties to vote against the passage of this Bill in the present Dail.

I remain yours respectfully, Elizabeth F. Bobbett, General Secretary.