asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the means test for the non-contributory old age pension was last reviewed.

20.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has completed his examination of the report of the inquiry into the operation of the means test in the field of social welfare; and, if so, the outcome.

: With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together. As I stated in reply to earlier questions on this matter I have had an inquiry carried out in my Department into the operation of the means tests. The means test for the non-contributory old age pension is one of the matters which were dealt with in the inquiry. I have the report of the inquiry under examination in the Department and I hope to have this examination completed shortly.

: Is the Minister aware that more than six months ago he gave a similar reply to the House?

: I may well have done so but that is the position. As I said, the examination is continuing.

: Ongoing?

: Yes. Does the Deputy object to the fact that the work of my Department is, to use cliché, ongoing?

: I object to the fact that there is no end product.

: I have given the Deputy a number of instances of end products during this Question Time.

: Can the Minister indicate when he will be able to give us an answer?

: Before the recess If I was not subject to so much harassment here I might be able to get on with my work quicker and get more beneficial results for those for whom I am responsible.

: I get the impression that the Minister is getting more harassment elsewhere.