asked the Minister for Social Welfare having regard to the arrangements which her predecessor was making to decentralise the Department, when she now hopes to have a video unit installed in the Cork office so that information regarding claims would be available instantly as has been the case in the two Dublin offices since May this year.

It was only in recent weeks that the old computer system for the payment of disability, maternity and occupational injury benefits was replaced by a more modern system which will enable video terminal units to be located outside of Dublin. A considerable amount of additional equipment must be installed and further development work must be done to extend the facilities generally outside of Dublin. This process will extend over the next few years.

As a first step I am arranging to have a video unit installed on a pilot basis in Cork employment exchange to assist with inquiries regarding benefit claims. I expect to have this video unit installed and working early in the new year.