asked the Taoiseach the percentage of GNP devoted to the social welfare service in each of the past three years.

Total public expenditure, as compiled for the national accounts, on social welfare service, expressed as a percentage of gross national product at current market prices, was 10.7 per cent in 1976 and 10.2 per cent in 1977. While complete information for 1978 is not yet available, it is estimated that the corresponding figure for 1978 is 9.8 per cent.