asked the Minister for Social Welfare the terms of reference of the review group which he is establishing on the social welfare system.

I am at present considering this matter but I can inform the Deputy that the review group will be examining the operation of the Department schemes as a whole. This will involve assessing the relevance of the schemes to modern needs and the extent to which schemes such as the social welfare allowance schemes meet their original objectives.

I had anticipated a better answer. In reply to a number of questions the Minister said that there were to be reviews. Could he be a little more specific, since the question deals with the nature of the review and he has used reference to a review group as a way out of answering a number of other questions? Is there a review group in existence and, if so, what are they doing?

In my reply I pointed out what the terms of reference would include. For example, it will consider the range and nature of existing services provided by the Department of Social Welfare, having regard to the particular objectives and needs to be served in the light of modern developments. It will consider the need for the removal of anomalies and the rationalisation of services. It will consider the operation of social assistance services, including social assistance allowances provided for deserted wives, unmarried mothers, prisoners wives and single women. It will consider the manner of delivery of the services, including the organisation of the Department and the operation of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. These are some of the areas it will cover. The Deputy referred to a number of reviews. Some of these were started by my predecessors and are under way at present. It is normal to tackle problems by setting up review groups or a working party which would provide the basis for future developments. Such groups or working parties in the areas of health and social welfare have come up with conclusions very quickly. The Deputy's comment in that respect was a little unfair.

Would the Minister indicate whether he is giving consideration to the operation of a single means test and whether a person on becoming entitled to one benefit through the single means test would automatically be entitled to a number of other benefits? Will the review group consider the possibility of an independent appeals system in the supplementary welfare area, which is necessary and desirable? Would the Minister admit that the general impression given in the past few days of questioning is that of a Department reviewing everything and producing very little? These reviews are taking a good deal longer than the problems warrant. The Minister is using the term "review" to avoid his responsibilities.

I do not agree. The question of the appeals will be considered in the context of the review.

My question also related to a single means test.

I will see that that is considered.

14.