asked the Minister for Social welfare if his Department have made any formal contact with social workers, voluntary groups, and others working in the social welfare field to ascertain whether the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is serving as an effective barrier to poverty in Irish society.

A committee comprising members of the Irish Association of Social Workers and officials of the Departments of Health and Social Welfare established by my predecessor hold regular meetings at which various aspects of the supplementary welfare allowances schemes are from time to time discussed.

An evaluation of the operation of the supplementary welfare allowances scheme has also been carried out by the National Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty. The report on this evaluation is expected some time this year.