asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the present rate of assistance given to the necessitous blind is totally inadequate; that in existing conditions they are suffering much privation and want; and whether, in the circumstances, he will introduce proposals for the purpose of increasing the payments to blind persons.

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. It is not proposed to give effect to the suggestion in the latter part of the question.

asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the Corporation of Dublin adopted a resolution approving of an emergency increase of 4/- per week in the payments made to necessitous blind persons; and, if so, whether he intends to give effect to the recommendation of the corporation.

The resolution referred to was received. The matter is under consideration but no decision has yet been reached.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary indicate how much longer this matter will be under consideration, and how soon a decision is likely to be arrived at?

No, I cannot give any accurate indication, but I should say within a reasonable time.

You have had it for the last 12 months. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of that?

The Parliamentary Secretary was answering a supplementary question put by Deputy Hannigan.

Deputy Byrne is trying to answer for you.

The request has been in the Department for the last 12 months and the same reply—"within a reasonable time"—is always given, while the blind persons are suffering hardship.

That is not a question.