Transcript of remarks by SLW on adjusting eligible age for elderly CSSA

     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, on adjusting the eligible age for elderly Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) after attending a special meeting of the Panel on Welfare Services of the Legislative Council today (January 28):
 
Reporter: All the political parties are actually asking the Government to shelve the age change. Why does that not warrant the Government to consider shelving the whole idea?
 
Secretary for Labour and Welfare: The policy decision has been made for more than two years already. The discussion has been thoroughly discussed and options have been considered, and the Government considered the present decision is proper. The only thing that we need to improve is the way that we are going to deliver, and to help those who are needing help to assist them to find jobs. I think that is the reason why we are making some of the refinements, so to speak, to accommodate the views of the community.
 
Reporter: Even though you are worsening the relationship with all the political parties, it is still good for you to go ahead with this policy change?
 
Secretary for Labour and Welfare: We will try our very best to improve the working relationship between the executive and the legislature.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)