asked the Minister for Social Welfare why widows' pensions are reduced when dependent children reach 16 years of age.

A qualified child for the purposes of an increase of widows' pension is statutorily defined as one who is, inter alia, under the age of sixteen years. There is, therefore, no statutory authority for continuing to pay such an increase after the child reaches that age.

In view of the great injustice that exists here does the Minister propose to introduce amending legislation? This causes a very grave hardship, as the Minister knows, where children are still at school at 16? Has the Minister any reply to make to the supplementary question?

No.

No, because there is no answer.

71.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cost to the Exchequer of paying non-contributory widow pensioners, who are in receipt of unemployment or disablement benefits, the full rate of such benefits.

The cost of paying the full rate of unemployment and disability benefits to widows in receipt of non-contributory pensions is estimated at £35,000 per annum.