andMr. J. Lynch asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is now in a position to state when proposals for legislation to increase old age and blind pensions and other social welfare benefits will be introduced; further, from what date is it proposed that such increases will become operative.

I have nothing to add at present to the reply I gave to Deputy Lemass on 9th February last.

Would the Minister be in a position to inform the Labour Party Convention at the end of the week when he proposes to introduce the increases?

I am sure there will be good Press reporters there.

There will be a few awkward questions to answer there.