asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will indicate in connection with the insurance of share fishermen the benefits they may expect to obtain from such insurance.

Share fishermen who are insured under the Social Welfare Acts pay contributions at a special reduced rate. Contributions at that rate give cover for disability and maternity benefits, contributory widows' and old age pensions, orphans' allowances and treatment benefits, mainly dental and optical, but not for unemployment benefit.

From 4th January next share fishermen who are wholly or mainly engaged in, and who derive their livelihood wholly or mainly from, that occupation, will be insurable at the full ordinary rate and covered for unemployment benefit in addition to the benefits for which they are already covered. Other share fishermen will continue to be covered, as at present, for all benefits except unemployment benefit.