asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state in respect of a recent date the number of persons insured under the Social Welfare Acts.

The estimate of the number of persons effectively insured under the Social Welfare Acts is compiled annually in relation to 31st March. The estimate in respect of 31st March, 1960, is derived from the count of men's insurance cards whose currency expired in January, 1960, and of women's insurance cards whose currency expired in July, 1960. As the latter cards may be received in time up to December, 1960, a final count could not commence until then. This count is at present proceeding and if the Deputy will repeat his question in a fortnight's time I expect to be in a position to give him the figure as at 31st March, 1960.