andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is now in a position to announce the Government's decision in regard to the extension of the scope of social insurance in respect of non-manual workers with incomes over £1,200 a year.

10.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he expects to be in a position to make an announcement regarding the raising above £1,200 of the ceiling for insurability under the Social Welfare Acts.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.

The remuneration limit for social insurance purposes in the case of non-manual workers is still under consideration by the Government.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary expect a decision before next Friday?

All I can say is that it is under active consideration by the Government.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary say if the decision to increase will be announced first in this House?

I am sure it will be announced at a Fianna Fáil dinner down the country.

I would not suggest anything like that.

I have replied to the question which was asked.

Four times on the Order Paper in two weeks. I think there is a rule which should prohibit that.

And it was raised with the Minister in the House last night and he did not know.