asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the frequency of robberies at post offices on the days children's allowances are paid out, he will arrange in future for payment of these allowances by cheque.

The answer is in the negative.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary elaborate a little as to why the answer is in the negative?

In the first place, it would mean a very considerable increase in staff and a complete change in the administration of the scheme. It is felt that the amount of money that has been stolen from post offices would not justify the change.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary waiting until some more robberies occur?

Children's allowances are only a small part of the money paid through post offices and if what the Deputy suggested were done, I do not think it would constitute a deterrent. The other considerable sums paid through post offices would be equally attractive to those people.