asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, having regard to the excellent work being done by the Council of the Blind for Ireland and in view of the fact that the council is almost entirely dependent on voluntary subscriptions, he will arrange for a State grant to be devoted to this very deserving body.

The National Council for the Blind of Ireland works in close co-operation with my Department and its work for the blind is most praiseworthy. I have not, however, received any indication that it is in need of, or desires to seek, financial assistance from the State.

The council is one of a number of voluntary organisations which generously devote themselves to the welfare of the blind, and all of them rely in varying degrees on voluntary subscriptions. There is no provision for the payment of State grants to such voluntary organisations except for work in the maintenance of blind persons in institutions. The national council does not, however, undertake such work.