asked the Minister for Social Welfare if there are concessions available to widows, deserted wives and unmarried mothers who are working in relation to the stamping of cards; and, if so, if he will state how their benefits may be affected.

Widows, deserted wives and unmarried mothers are relieved of liability to pay their share of any employment contribution due in respect of insurable employment provided they are in receipt of a pension or allowance from my Department. In such cases the employer's share of the employment contribution continues to be paid. The right of the persons concerned, to any benefit arising from the payment of employment contributions is not affected in any way.