asked the Minister for Social Welfare the steps being taken to decentralise the payment of social welfare allowances, such as disability benefit.

Short-term benefits such as unemployment benefit, unemployment assistance and supplementary welfare allowances are already paid on a local basis. Decentralisation of payments such as disability benefit, maternity benefit and occupational injury benefit which are at present paid from my Department's Headquarters Office in Dublin, depends on the expansion and development of computerisation in my Department.

Part of the existing computer system is at present being replaced by more modern computers. At the same time arrangements are also being made to develop this system to enable visual display units to be located in local offices outside Dublin which would enable detailed information to be given locally about disability, maternity and occupational injury benefit claims. When this stage of the decentralisation programme has been reached the possibility of paying these benefits on a local basis will then be considered.

Does the Minister believe that virtually all the problems will cease once this computer comes into operation?

This is a very desirable development to which this Government are committed, as were the previous Government. We are specifically committed to decentralisation. In relation to social welfare payments, it is most humane, sensitive and acceptable to have a system which relates speedily to the needs of people.

24.