asked the Minister for Health if he will state, in respect of Dublin City (a) the number of applications which have been received for maternity cash grants under the Health Act, 1953, and (b) the number of such applications which have been granted.

The position relating to applications under the Maternity Cash Grants Regulations, 1953, which in the Dublin City Area are administered by the Dublin Board of Assistance, in respect of the period from 1st January, 1954, when the scheme came into operation, to the 30th September last, is as follows:— (a) number of applications received, 12,034; (b) number of applications granted, 9,073.