asked the Minister for Social Welfare the measures, if any, it is intended to take to combat poverty in Ireland.

The elimination of any poverty which may exist in the community is one of the underlying purposes of all Government activity. This purpose may be seen to be central to the Government's programme for the creation of full employment as set out in the recent White Paper.

In the field of social welfare the services provided by my Department are directed to this purpose and I am concerned to ensure their continued extension, development and improvement.