asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the large number of girl school leavers over 18 years of age who are seeking employment, he will waive the section in the social welfare regulations requiring 52 insurance stamps for four preceding contribution years.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 27 on 19th June, 1975. There has been no change in the position since that date.

The Parliamentary Secretary was asked if he would waive the section requiring 52 insurance stamps for four preceding contribution years. Will that section be waived?

No.

That means that these applicants cannot get it then because of that section?

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply to Question No. 19, I should like to raise it on the Adjournment.

I shall communicate with the Deputy.

The situation is that the reply given on the date I quoted said there were no immediate plans to alter that requirement and that is still the position.

Seeing there are so many of those people who would need it at the moment, would the Parliamentary Secretary not think that it should be waived at present when they cannot get employment?

I accept that there are a number of areas in social welfare where it would be desirable to make advances. It is not possible to deal with them all at the one time and it is not possible to deal with this particular one at this particular time.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary give any hope to the many people who are left with no source of income whatever?

There is very positive and concrete hope for people in that category under the terms of the Bill which passed through the House last Wednesday.

Where are the jobs—home assistance?

As I hope the Deputy is aware, the Bill replaces that Home Assistance Act.

They will not get it. If that is all you have to offer, it is a poor day.