asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that it is almost impossible for a single woman to qualify for a single woman's allowance, unless she is living alone; and, if so, if he will revise the regulations.

: I do not agree that the position is as stated by the Deputy. A recent survey shows that almost 60 per cent of those at present in receipt of single woman's allowance are, in fact, living with relatives or other persons.

: It seems from the Minister's reply that the single women in my constituency are having a very lean time because when a single woman is living in a house with no rights of any kind, living with brothers or any other relatives——

: A question, please.

: Is the Minister aware that, if someone is maintaining you, so much has to go for board and lodging and straight away the allowance is reduced by £4 to £5? This is very unfair. Will the Minister not instruct the social welfare officers in west Cork to take the objective view, which is taken in other areas, having regard to the fact that 60 per cent of the applicants qualify for the maximum rate? Will he not ensure that they do their job properly? I assume the Minister's answer is correct, so there is some lack of understanding of the regulations by some people who make reports in the southwest Cork area. I ask that immediate attention be given to that because I do not know any single woman living alone who is getting the maximum rate.

: I would be very distressed to think that west Cork was being singled out for unfair treatment.