asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will increase the widow's pension to the level of the old age pension, with all the other benefits such as free light and fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Any proposals for increases in social welfare payments or for other improvements in the schemes administered by my Department are matters for consideration in connection with the budget.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that widows should have the same facilities and fringe benefits as old age non-contributory pensioners?

As the Deputy is aware, on many occasions I have expressed my desire for considerable improvements in many areas of social welfare. During the past three-and-a-half years that view has been put into practice in many areas.

Can we take it that something will be done about this matter this year?

The Deputy would be very foolish to take that from my reply. My reply was that any improvement in the social welfare code would be a matter for the budget. The Deputy will appreciate that I could not anticipate the budget.

The Parliamentary Secretary must have some knowledge in regard to his recommendations for social welfare increases in the forthcoming budget?

I have expressed my views publicly on many occasions. What I recommend or do not recommend is of little interest to widows. The final outcome would be of interest to them. What I am suggesting is that it would not be possible for me at this stage to anticipate a forthcoming budget.